File Management Server Load Distribution via Local Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network drives experience server overload during intensive editing events, leading to delayed handling and potential loss of file content, and existing solutions to manage this are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the location for opening a file based on factors like cumulative storage operations, user permissions, resource availability, and network stability to distribute the load between remote and local servers, allowing files to be opened and edited locally when necessary, thereby reducing server overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all editing events for files in the network drive are handled by the server, then centralized control and security management are improved, but the server becomes overloaded during intensive editing events, leading to delayed handling and potential loss of file content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file handling process into two parts: secure file access control remains centralized on the server, while actual file editing operations are distributed to local terminals. This is achieved by allowing terminals to download files for local editing while the server maintains control over access permissions and file storage, thus resolving the contradiction between centralized control and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file caching mechanism as an intermediary between the server and terminal. The cache stores frequently accessed file data locally, allowing terminals to perform editing operations on cached data without constant server communication, thereby improving response speed while the server continues to manage security and persistence.
2Reliability
If the server processes all file editing events, then security control is improved, but handling delays occur during intensive editing events, potentially causing loss of edited content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary local caching of file data before editing operations begin. By pre-loading file content into local cache memory, the system prepares the terminal to perform editing operations independently and immediately, eliminating waiting time and reducing the risk of content loss during intensive editing sessions, while security control is maintained through server-managed access permissions.
3Productivity
If additional server resources are allocated to handle intensive editing events, then server capacity is improved, but system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables terminals to perform file editing operations independently using local resources rather than requiring additional server processing power. By allowing local editing of cached file data and only requiring server interaction for initial access control and final persistence, the system improves effective server capacity without incurring additional hardware or resource costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatuses for managing access to a file stored in a remote location includes detecting an attempt for a user terminal to access the file stored in the remote location, determining a location where the file attempted to be access is to be opened, in response to a determination that the location where the file is to be opened is remote, opening the file and providing a content of the opened file to the user terminal by a file management server and in response to a determination that the location where the file is to be opened is local, processing the file to be downloaded to the user terminal by the file management server.