Edge Dictionary Containers for CDN Configuration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content delivery networks face inefficiencies in managing request handler configurations due to cumbersome VCL configurations with numerous if-then statements, leading to delays and resource wastage in updating content requests.
Innovation Solution
Implementing edge dictionaries within content nodes, which use key-value pairs to efficiently manage content requests, allowing administrators to dynamically update configurations through an API without recompiling the entire VCL configuration, thereby reducing the need for resource-intensive updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VCL configuration is updated with new if-then statements to manage content requests, then content request handling capability is improved, but configuration complexity and update time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic VCL configuration into modular dictionary containers that can be independently updated. Each dictionary container holds specific key-value pairs for content request rules, allowing administrators to update individual dictionaries without modifying the entire VCL configuration. This segmentation reduces configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the content request rules from the VCL configuration into separate dictionary containers. These extracted dictionaries can be independently managed, updated, and compiled without affecting the main VCL configuration. This extraction allows for simpler, more manageable configuration updates while preserving the full content request handling capability.
2Reliability
If VCL configuration is recompiled to apply updates, then configuration changes are applied, but processing time and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compilation process into segments corresponding to individual dictionary containers. When a dictionary is updated, only that specific dictionary is recompiled and loaded, rather than recompiling the entire VCL configuration. This segmented approach maintains reliable configuration updates while dramatically reducing processing time and resource usage.
3Reliability
If VCL configuration is recompiled to apply updates, then configuration changes are applied, but system resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts dictionary containers from the main VCL configuration, allowing them to be updated and compiled independently. This extraction enables the system to apply configuration updates with minimal resource usage, as only the specific dictionary container needs to be processed rather than the entire VCL configuration, while still ensuring reliable update application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If administrators modify VCL configuration to update content requests, then content request rules are updated, but ease of operation decreases due to cumbersome configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content request rules into separate dictionary containers with simple key-value pair structures. Administrators can modify individual dictionaries using straightforward key-value assignments rather than navigating complex if-then statements in VCL configuration. This segmentation significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability for updating content request rules.
5Adaptability or versatility
If entire VCL configuration is updated to modify content requests, then content request rules are updated, but productivity decreases due to unnecessary recompilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration system into independent dictionary containers that can be updated individually. When content request rules need updating, administrators modify only the relevant dictionary container, and only that container is recompiled and loaded. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary recompilation of unrelated configuration portions, significantly improving update efficiency and productivity while maintaining full adaptability for content request rules updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are enhancements for operating content nodes in a content delivery network. In at least one implementation, a content node deploys a request handler configuration and a key-value object, wherein the key-value object includes one or more key-value pairs and wherein the request handler configuration calls, in response to a content request from an end user device, the key-value object using a key associated with the content request and the key-value object returns a value associated with the key. The content node further obtains a request to modify the key-value object, identifies a modification to the key-value object based on the command, and updates the key-value object with the modification.