Distributed Caching via Network-Connected Storage Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current content delivery systems require expensive hardware, consume high amounts of power and cooling, and are vulnerable to performance bottlenecks and hacking due to the limited use of caching devices.
Innovation Solution
A distributed caching system utilizing network-connected storage devices, such as Ethernet solid state drives (eSSDs), is implemented. The system includes a control server that discovers and configures these devices, assigns them to domains based on location, and manages content distribution with a content server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional content delivery systems use centralized caching servers, then content distribution is achieved, but the system requires expensive hardware and consumes high amounts of power and cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized caching server into multiple distributed caching devices (e.g., routers, set-top boxes, client devices) that independently store and serve content. This distribution eliminates the need for a single large power-consuming server while maintaining content delivery capability across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
Caching devices in the distributed system serve themselves and other devices directly from their local caches, eliminating the need for a centralized server to handle all requests. Each device autonomously manages its own cache content and serves requests locally, reducing overall system power consumption.
2Device complexity
If few caching devices are used in the system, then system complexity is reduced, but performance bottlenecks occur and the system becomes more vulnerable to hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides content delivery functionality across multiple caching devices rather than relying on a single server. This segmentation increases parallelism and throughput, allowing simultaneous service of multiple clients without creating performance bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of caching device quantity from few to many, transforming the system architecture from centralized to distributed. This parameter change simultaneously improves performance through parallelism and security through redundancy, while the modular nature keeps management complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If centralized caching servers are used, then content storage is achieved, but the system is more vulnerable to hacking and performance bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized content storage into distributed caches across multiple devices in the network. This distribution means that compromising one device does not expose the entire content library, as content is fragmented and replicated across many locations, significantly reducing vulnerability to hacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of distributed storage (complexity) into a benefit by using the distribution itself as a security mechanism. The very fragmentation that could complicate management instead provides inherent security through redundancy and lack of single points of failure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for distributed caching, the system having at least one network-connected storage device, a content server, and a control server. The control server is configured to discover the at least one network-connected storage device, collect device information from the at least one network-connected storage device, where the device information comprises a device location, assign each of the at least one network-connected storage device to a device domain based on each device location, and provide the content server with the device information for the one or more network-connected storage.