Distributed Proxy Cache for Wireless Traffic Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile network technologies face challenges in managing the surge in data traffic due to the proliferation of smartphones and advanced mobile applications, leading to rapid battery drain and increased network congestion, as they are not optimized for frequent, low-throughput data transactions initiated by the network, such as push email and instant messaging.

Innovation Solution

A distributed proxy and cache system is implemented on both mobile devices and servers, which includes a local proxy on the device and a proxy server, to optimize network traffic by caching frequently requested content, aligning application requests, and adjusting polling frequencies based on device and network conditions, thereby reducing the need for constant radio connections and signaling traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mobile device maintains an always-on IP connection for network-initiated applications, then the application functionality is improved, but the battery consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic polling with variable intervals instead of continuous connection. The device polls the network at predetermined intervals to check for new data, allowing the radio to be turned off between polls. The polling interval can be adjusted based on application priority and network conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining application functionality and reducing battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The network server provides unsolicited notifications to the mobile device when new data is available, eliminating the need for the device to continuously poll. The device can enter sleep mode and wake up only when notified by the network, significantly reducing battery consumption while maintaining application functionality through event-driven updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If the device polls for data frequently to ensure timely updates, then the data freshness is improved, but the network congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata update speedVSAvoidnetwork traffic volume

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polling interval is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the polling frequency based on network conditions, data priority, and historical patterns. When network congestion is detected or data is not changing frequently, the polling interval increases, reducing network traffic. When data changes frequently or high priority is assigned, the interval decreases to maintain data freshness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the device monitors network responses and adjusts polling behavior accordingly. If polls consistently return no new data, the system increases the polling interval. If data changes are detected, the system may decrease intervals or switch to event-driven notification modes, optimizing the balance between data freshness and network traffic reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the application uses push technology for real-time updates, then the data timeliness is improved, but the device must remain in high-power mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata update timelinessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary between the network and the mobile device. The proxy receives push notifications from the network and buffers them, then delivers them to the device at optimal times when the radio is already active or when power consumption can be minimized. This intermediary layer enables real-time update capability while allowing the device to manage its power state more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the device maintains frequent radio connections for data transactions, then the application responsiveness is improved, but the battery drain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication responsivenessVSAvoidbattery drain

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining continuous radio connections, the device performs periodic polling at predetermined intervals. The radio is activated only during polling windows to check for data, then powered down between polls. This periodic operation maintains application responsiveness by checking for updates regularly while dramatically reducing battery drain compared to always-on connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous data availability through network-side buffering and notification mechanisms while allowing discontinuous device radio operation. The network continuously monitors for data and maintains readiness to notify, while the device radio operates discontinuously, activating only when needed to receive or send data, thus maintaining productivity while reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11863973B2Distributed implementation of dynamic wireless traffic policy

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 SEVEN NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A method of buffering application data operable at a delivery control server is provided. Related systems and computer program products are also provided.