Distributed Network Framework for Joint Computation and Caching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack an optimized framework for joint computation, caching, and request forwarding in data-centric computing-based networks, which is essential for achieving high throughput and low latency in distributed computing environments.

Innovation Solution

The proposed framework provides a distributed and adaptive method for joint computation, caching, and request forwarding by using computation request counters and data request counters to determine optimal policies for each network node, enabling superior performance in request satisfaction delay across various network topologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centralized cloud architecture is used, then cost efficiency and scalability are improved, but request satisfaction delay increases for delay-sensitive applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost efficiencyVSAvoidrequest satisfaction delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized cloud architecture into a hierarchical distributed structure with core network nodes, edge nodes, and user equipment. This segmentation allows computation and data storage to be distributed at multiple levels, enabling delay-sensitive applications to access data closer to the user while maintaining overall system scalability and cost efficiency through shared resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by implementing in-network computation and caching capabilities at intermediate network nodes. This adds a computational dimension to traditional data transmission, allowing data to be processed and stored within the network itself rather than only at endpoints or centralized clouds, thereby reducing latency without sacrificing scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If dispersed computing paradigm is adopted, then request satisfaction delay is improved, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverequest satisfaction delayVSAvoiddistributed implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal framework where network nodes can perform multiple functions including data forwarding, computation execution, and data caching. This multi-functionality reduces implementation complexity by consolidating operations that would otherwise require separate specialized components, while maintaining low latency through coordinated distributed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where nodes exchange computation request counters and data request counters to dynamically adjust their behavior. This feedback loop enables adaptive decision-making about which nodes should execute computations and which should forward data, simplifying the control logic compared to static distributed systems while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If data-centric computation is performed, then throughput is improved, but resource utilization optimization becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidresource utilization optimization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action through in-network caching, where data objects are stored at intermediate nodes before final consumption. This pre-positioning of data enables high-throughput computation by eliminating repeated data retrieval operations, while the distributed caching mechanism automatically optimizes resource utilization across the network without requiring centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes operational parameters at different network nodes based on local conditions. Nodes adjust their behavior by modifying computation request counters and data request counters, allowing the system to adapt resource allocation to actual demand patterns. This parameter-based control simplifies optimization compared to fixed resource allocation while maintaining high throughput for data-centric workloads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12289205B2Network and method for servicing a computation request
Publication Date: 2025.04.29 NORTHEASTERN UNIV (US)
  • US12289205B2 patent drawing
  • US12289205B2 patent drawing
  • US12289205B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A framework for joint computation, caching, and request forwarding in data-centric computing-based networks comprises a virtual control plane, which operates on request counters for computations and data, and an actual plane, which handles computation requests, data requests, data objects and computation results in the physical network. A throughput optimal policy, implemented in the virtual plane, provides a basis for adaptive and distributed computation, caching, and request forwarding in the actual plane. The framework provides superior performance in terms of request satisfaction delay as compared with several baseline policies over multiple network topologies.