DNS Query Routing via Encoded Parameters for CDN Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content delivery networks (CDNs) face challenges in efficiently routing DNS queries to optimize content delivery, particularly in managing high volumes of requests and resource demands, which can lead to increased latency and strain on computing resources.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating additional request routing information, such as workload identifiers and object identifiers, as parameters in DNS-based messages using the EDNS protocol to enable CDN service providers to select optimal points of presence for content delivery, considering factors like resource availability, geographic proximity, and request routing policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If CDN service providers place computing devices at selected locations and direct content requests to these devices, then latency is reduced and quality of service is improved, but the system complexity and resource management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DNS nameserver components as intermediary elements that mediate between client computing devices and CDN computing devices. These DNS nameservers receive DNS queries from clients, process routing information, and direct requests to appropriate CDN points of presence. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the routing decision-making process rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer routing logic across all CDN devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the CDN system into distinct functional components: client computing devices, DNS resolver components, DNS nameserver components, and CDN computing devices (points of presence). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function independently, reducing the complexity burden on any single device while maintaining efficient request routing through the distributed architecture.
2Productivity
If CDN service providers utilize computing devices at selected locations to manage capacity, then resource utilization is optimized, but the complexity of routing and device management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where DNS nameserver components automatically process routing decisions based on encoded information in DNS queries. The system uses workload identifiers and object identifiers embedded in DNS messages to automatically direct requests to appropriate CDN components without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control. This automation optimizes resource utilization while keeping routing management complexity manageable through standardized protocols.
3Productivity
If additional routing information is encoded in DNS-based messages, then request routing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of message processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing DNS protocol infrastructure to carry multiple types of routing information (workload identifiers, object identifiers, geographic information) within standardized DNS message fields. By making the DNS protocol multi-functional for CDN purposes while maintaining compatibility with standard DNS operations, the system achieves efficient routing without requiring entirely new message formats or processing protocols, thus limiting the increase in message processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method with regard to the routing of a client computing device DNS query within a content delivery network service provider domain as a function of additional request routing information embedded as parameters in messages transmitted as part of the DNS queries generated by, or on behalf of, the client computing device are provided. By parsing and processing all the received information, the CDN service provider may select components of a CDN network reflective of the additional request routing information.