Distributed Edge Cache Replication in Wireless Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless mesh networks face inefficiencies in digital content distribution due to high latency, network congestion, and variability in network path characteristics, which affect user experience and content accessibility in environments with limited broadband Internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing content replication and caching strategies within the wireless mesh network, where popular digital content items are replicated and allocated across network nodes based on popularity and reachability, and multiple resolutions and bit rates are stored to adapt to changing network conditions, allowing for efficient content delivery and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If content is delivered from centralized servers through multiple hops in wireless mesh networks, then content accessibility is achieved, but latency increases and network congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements content replication that proactively copies popular digital content items from centralized servers to multiple network nodes before user requests occur. This preliminary distribution of content to edge locations in the mesh network eliminates the need for long-distance data traversal when users request content, thereby reducing latency and preventing network congestion during peak usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centralized content delivery architecture into a distributed network of content-storing nodes. By dividing the content storage function across multiple nodes throughout the mesh network rather than relying on a single centralized server, the system reduces the number of hops required for content delivery and distributes network traffic load, thereby reducing latency and improving overall network efficiency.
2Speed
If content is replicated across multiple network nodes, then content delivery speed improves, but network device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous content replication mechanisms where network nodes automatically identify popular content items, replicate them to appropriate nodes, and manage their own content caching without requiring complex centralized coordination. Each node independently monitors its content delivery performance and makes local decisions about what content to replicate, thereby simplifying the overall network architecture while still achieving fast content delivery through distributed replication.
3Reliability
If multiple copies of content are stored across the network, then content accessibility and speed improve, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective content replication that places different content items at different network nodes based on local demand patterns and node characteristics. Rather than uniformly replicating all content across all nodes, the system optimizes content placement by analyzing which nodes are most likely to serve specific content requests, thereby improving content accessibility while minimizing redundant storage and optimizing the use of total network storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system comprises a memory to store instructions and a processor to: generate a list comprising a first entry including an identifier of a first mesh device and a number of neighboring devices that are reachable by the first mesh device over a single-hop path, and a second entry including an identifier of a second mesh device and a number of neighboring devices that are reachable by the second mesh device over a single-hop path; order the initial list in a descending order of the numbers of neighboring devices; determine a replication factor for the digital content item; identify a subset of entries of the ordered list, wherein a number of entries comprised by the subset is equal to the replication factor; and cause a first copy of the digital content item to be stored on the mesh device referenced by the first entry.