Global Origin Server for Multi-CDN Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Content Distribution Internetworking (CDI) proposals face challenges in seamlessly connecting multiple Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) due to differences in administrative controls, URL compatibility, and complexity in implementing request routing and content forwarding protocols, leading to limitations in scalability, reach, and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a global origin server that coordinates the formation of a global network by connecting to local origin servers across multiple CDNs, allowing for a seamless integration of independently operating CDNs into a single global CDN network, with the global origin server maintaining metadata and facilitating content replication across an overlay network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple CDNs are connected through traditional CDI proposals with DNS-based routing and content forwarding protocols, then content distribution reach is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a global origin server as an intermediary that mediates between multiple CDN networks. Instead of implementing complex routing and forwarding protocols between CDNs, the global origin server acts as a central coordinator that receives client requests, determines the appropriate CDN, and forwards requests accordingly. This intermediary approach simplifies the system architecture by centralizing coordination functions that would otherwise require complex peer-to-peer protocols between multiple CDNs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional CDN architecture by placing a global origin server at the center rather than having multiple origin servers distributed across different CDNs. Traditionally, each CDN has its own origin servers and must implement complex protocols to share content. The invention reverses this by having a single global origin server that all CDNs connect to, simplifying the architecture and reducing implementation complexity while maintaining the ability to distribute content across multiple networks.
2Ease of operation
If DNS-based request routing is implemented across multiple CDNs, then content accessibility is improved, but communication overhead and resolution complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DNS resolution function from the traditional distributed DNS-based routing approach and consolidates it into the global origin server. Instead of having each CDN implement its own DNS resolution and forwarding logic, the global origin server handles all DNS resolution and request routing decisions. This extraction simplifies the system by removing the need for complex inter-CDN DNS protocols and reduces communication overhead by centralizing the resolution process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If content peering protocols are implemented between multiple CDNs, then content sharing capability is improved, but implementation complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the content sharing functionality of multiple CDNs into a unified system centered around the global origin server. Instead of implementing separate content peering protocols between different CDN networks, all content sharing operations are funneled through the global origin server, which maintains a unified view of all content across all connected CDNs. This merging approach eliminates the need for complex peer-to-peer content exchange protocols and simplifies both implementation and maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system comprises a plurality of CDNs, each defining an operating business (OBi) having a its respective local origin server (OSi), and computing means for performing the interconnection of said plurality of CDNs, where said computing means comprises of a global origin server (OSG) that coordinates the formation of a global network by connecting to the local origin servers (OS{i}). The method comprises using a global origin server for coordinating the formation of a global network by its connection to CDN local origin servers.