DNS Interceptor Module for Mobile Network Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNS redirection mechanisms in mobile telecommunication networks, such as 3G and LTE, fail to effectively utilize internal content servers for delivering content to mobile devices due to the inability of CDN companies to see the internal structure of these networks, leading to inefficient content delivery and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a DNS interceptor module at the radio network controller (RNC) level that intercepts DNS queries from mobile terminals, checks for content originator or delivery provider indications, and generates a DNS reply with the IP address of a content server within the mobile network, rather than an external CDN server, thereby allowing content to be retrieved from closer, network-internal servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DNS queries are forwarded to external CDN servers, then content delivery coverage is improved, but latency increases and internal content servers are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DNS interceptor module as an intermediary component within the mobile network infrastructure. This module intercepts DNS queries from mobile devices, determines whether the requested content is available on internal content servers, and redirects queries accordingly. The intermediary enables the network to leverage its internal content servers while maintaining compatibility with external CDN services, thus reducing latency for cached content while preserving broad content delivery coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-caching content on internal content servers within the mobile network infrastructure. Before users request content, the network operator can proactively cache frequently accessed content on internal servers. When DNS queries are intercepted, the system can quickly determine if the content is already cached locally, enabling fast delivery without needing to query external CDN servers, thus reducing latency while maintaining content delivery capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external CDN servers are used for content delivery, then content availability is improved, but network bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DNS interceptor module serves as an intermediary that intelligently routes DNS queries based on content availability. It checks internal content servers first and only redirects to external CDN servers when content is not available locally. This intermediary function optimizes bandwidth usage by serving content from internal caches when possible, reducing the need for external bandwidth consumption while maintaining content availability through fallback to CDN services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different content delivery paths based on location and availability. Internal content servers handle requests for cached content within the mobile network, while external CDN servers handle requests for non-cached content. This localized content delivery approach reduces overall bandwidth consumption by serving content from the nearest available source, prioritizing internal servers to conserve network bandwidth while maintaining content availability through external services.
3Productivity
If DNS interception is implemented at RNC level, then content delivery optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by integrating the DNS interceptor module into the existing RNC infrastructure, allowing the RNC to perform its traditional radio network control functions while simultaneously providing DNS interception and content delivery optimization. This multi-functional approach avoids adding separate dedicated hardware systems, thereby improving content delivery optimization while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity through resource sharing and functional integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and radio network controller of a mobile telecommunication network for providing DNS redirection in a mobile telecommunication network. The radio network controller includes an interface configured to receive a DNS query from a mobile terminal and a domain name system, DNS, interceptor module. The DNS interceptor module is configured to intercept the DNS query from the mobile terminal, detect the indication of the content originator server or the content delivery provider, check the indication against a list of domain names handled by the radio network controller, and generate a DNS reply in response to the DNS query, the DNS reply including an IP address of a content server associated with the radio network controller and not including an IP address of the content delivery provider. The interface is configured to send the DNS reply to the mobile terminal.