Dynamic Virtual Proxies for Content Distribution Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content distribution systems face increased costs and performance issues as the number of endpoints grows, due to the need for additional dedicated servers and infrastructure to manage and provision content distribution, especially in geographically distributed enterprises.
Innovation Solution
A method where client computers within a subnet first query other client computers for content before requesting from a server, reducing the load on the master transmitter and potentially eliminating the need for additional dedicated servers by utilizing existing endpoints as dynamic virtual proxies for content distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dedicated servers are provisioned to distribute content to increasing numbers of endpoints, then content distribution capability is improved, but infrastructure costs and device complexity increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where endpoint computers automatically query each other for content availability and perform peer-to-peer file transfers without requiring manual provisioning or management of dedicated distribution servers. The system self-organizes by having endpoints discover and utilize each other as content sources, eliminating the need for centralized server management while maintaining distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes endpoint computers multi-functional by enabling them to serve dual roles: as content consumers and as content distributors. Each endpoint can both request content and serve content to other endpoints, transforming ordinary client computers into virtual distribution servers. This universal functionality eliminates the need for specialized dedicated servers while maintaining distribution capability.
2Productivity
If dedicated servers are added to support growth in endpoint numbers, then content distribution capacity increases, but maintenance and monitoring costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for dedicated maintenance and monitoring of distribution servers by implementing self-service mechanisms where endpoints automatically discover content sources, manage their own content libraries, and perform peer-to-peer transfers. The distributed architecture means there are no centralized servers requiring maintenance, as each endpoint independently manages its own content and sharing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of distribution functionality by enabling each endpoint to act as a distribution server. Instead of maintaining physical dedicated servers, the system creates software-based virtual proxies on ordinary endpoints that can serve content requests. These virtual copies require no additional hardware maintenance while providing the necessary distribution capacity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional client-server distribution is used, then centralized control is maintained, but load on the master transmitter increases with more endpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized distribution function by allowing endpoints to query and retrieve content from multiple peer endpoints rather than requiring all content to flow through the master transmitter. This segmentation distributes the transmission load across multiple peer-to-peer connections while the master transmitter retains coordination capabilities, thereby reducing its power consumption and load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary endpoint computers that act as virtual proxies between the master transmitter and other endpoints. These intermediary endpoints cache and serve content locally, reducing the direct load on the master transmitter. The master transmitter maintains centralized control by coordinating these intermediaries, which then handle local distribution requests without requiring constant master transmitter involvement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for distributing content from a server computer to a number of client computers is disclosed. A file to be distributed to a requesting client computer is identified. If another client computer of the plurality of client computers can distribute the file to the requesting client computer, the requesting client computer requests the file from the other client computer. If no client computer can distribute the file to the requesting client computer, the requesting client computer requests the first file from the server computer. Then the requesting client computer receives the first file from either the other client computer or the server computer. Each client computer can act both as a client and a server to the other client computers, providing content that would otherwise be provided by the server computer.