Enterprise Content Distribution via Logical Group Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content distribution systems in enterprise networks face inefficiencies and high failure rates due to the lack of planned distribution strategies, leading to excessive network traffic and vulnerability in large-scale file transfers, such as firmware updates, across multiple subnets.
Innovation Solution
A content distribution system that discovers the topography of the enterprise environment, plans distribution overlays using peer-to-peer technology, and implements a security and control framework to manage and prioritize data transfers, allowing for deferrable and delegable content distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional device manager uses existing networking framework and protocols for large-scale file distribution, then file distribution can be enabled across enterprise network, but network traffic becomes excessive and failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution task by organizing devices into logical groups with group heads, dividing the enterprise network into manageable subsets. Each group head manages distribution within its group, preventing excessive traffic on any single network segment while maintaining overall distribution capability across the entire enterprise network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces group heads as intermediary devices between the source and end devices. These group heads receive content from the source, cache it locally, and distribute to devices within their group, acting as mediators that reduce direct traffic between source and all destination devices, thereby reducing overall network traffic.
2Ease of operation
If conventional device manager distributes files based on demand without planning, then distribution can proceed spontaneously, but reliability decreases due to vulnerability and lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-planning the distribution topology, selecting group heads in advance, and establishing distribution paths before actual file distribution begins. This pre-configuration ensures reliability by setting up redundant paths and designated intermediaries before demand arises, rather than reacting spontaneously to distribution requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from spontaneous demand-based distribution to planned schedule-based distribution. The system determines optimal distribution times, selects appropriate group heads, and configures distribution paths in advance, transforming the distribution process from reactive to proactive, thereby improving reliability through deliberate planning.
3Ease of operation
If device manager resides within the same private IP sub-network as managed devices, then direct access is facilitated, but distribution across multiple subnets becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the group head universal by enabling it to operate in multiple IP subnets. Group heads can receive content from sources in different subnets and distribute to devices in their own subnet, functioning as multi-functional intermediaries that handle cross-subnet and intra-subnet distribution, thereby simplifying the overall architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses group heads as intermediaries that bridge different IP subnets. Instead of requiring the device manager to directly access devices across multiple subnets (which would be complex), the group head acts as a local intermediary that receives content and distributes within its subnet, simplifying cross-subnet distribution architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If peer-to-peer content distribution solutions are used for Internet environments, then widely distributed participants can share content, but topological correlation is lost and enterprise planning requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different distribution strategies in different parts of the network. Within each logical group, peer-to-peer distribution occurs locally among devices sharing the same subnet, maintaining topological awareness. The group head manages local distribution quality while the controller coordinates across groups, preserving both peer-to-peer benefits and enterprise planning requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide a system for facilitating dynamic content distribution in an enterprise environment. During operation, the system determines topographical information of the enterprise environment. The system determines a set of logical groups based on the topographical information. A respective logical group can include one or more devices managed by the controller and a network that provides connections among the one or more devices. The system generates a distribution plan for a piece of content via a first distribution tree. A respective node of the first distribution tree corresponds to a logical group of the set of logical groups. The logical group hosting the piece of content can correspond to a root node of the first distribution tree. The system then sends a notification message comprising the distribution plan to a respective logical group of the set of logical groups.