DNS Cache Update via Monitoring Agent Notifications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IP networks face challenges in dynamically updating DNS information, leading to inefficiencies in managing network topology changes and handling temporary overloads, as existing methods require short TTLs and manual restarts of devices, making network redevelopment during overloads nearly impossible.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically updating DNS information within IP networks by allowing entities to receive messages indicating the need to modify DNS copies without performing a DNS query, enabling immediate updates and flexible network rearrangements through additional instructions and validity durations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If short TTL values are used in DNS records to enable quick updates of network topology changes, then the DNS information consistency is improved, but the network traffic load on DNS servers increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNS information consistencyVSAvoidnetwork traffic load
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having DNS monitoring agents proactively detect DNS record changes and notify resolvers before the TTL expires. This allows resolvers to update their cached DNS information without waiting for the TTL to expire, thereby maintaining DNS information consistency while reducing the frequency of full DNS queries and lowering network traffic load on DNS servers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If manual device restarts are performed to apply DNS changes, then the DNS information is updated, but the network service interruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNS information updateVSAvoidnetwork service interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling DNS resolvers to automatically receive notifications of DNS record changes from monitoring agents and autonomously update their cached information. This eliminates the need for manual device restarts to apply DNS changes, allowing DNS information updates without network service interruption and maintaining continuous network operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If DNS queries are performed frequently to ensure up-to-date information, then the DNS information freshness is improved, but the network traffic and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNS information freshnessVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by establishing a notification mechanism where DNS monitoring agents detect changes in DNS records and actively notify resolvers of these changes. This feedback loop allows resolvers to update their cached DNS information immediately upon change detection rather than relying on frequent periodic queries, thereby maintaining DNS information freshness while significantly reducing network traffic and processing overhead associated with unnecessary repeated DNS queries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3085065B1Method for dynamic update of information obtained from a DNS server.
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 ORANGE SA
  • EP3085065B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3085065B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of dynamic updating of DNS information in an IP network comprising the following steps: - a first entity of said IP network, and distinct from the DNS servers of the IP network, receives a request from a second entity of the network, likewise distinct from the DNS servers of the IP network but possessing a copy of an item of information, so-called DNS information, of a type forming the subject of a record in at least one DNS server of the IP network,- said first entity responds to said request by sending said second entity a message comprising an indication relating to the need to modify said copy, - following the receipt of said message sent by the first entity, the second entity peruses the message to determine whether said indication comprises at least one complementary instruction, and - in case of positive determination, the second entity: · performs a DNS interrogation, and, following the receipt of the response of the interrogated DNS server, modifies its copy of said DNS information on the basis of the content of said response as well as of said complementary instruction, or · modifies its copy of said DNS information on the basis of said complementary instruction without performing any DNS interrogation. Application to IMS networks.