Hierarchical P2P Software Distribution With Authorized Peer Transfers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software deployment methods, such as content distribution networks (CDNs) and peer-to-peer (P2P) protocols, face challenges in efficiently, securely, and consistently distributing software updates across networks due to bottlenecks, bandwidth issues, security vulnerabilities, and lack of authorization control.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical network (PDN) that leverages P2P downloading with a tracker device managing file distribution, ensuring secure and authorized transfers by maintaining network topology and issuing certificates or tokens for authorized communication, enabling flexible and scalable software deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a CDN is used for software distribution, then content availability and download speed are improved, but network bottlenecks and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software distribution network into multiple distributed nodes organized in a hierarchical structure with tiers. Each node can independently serve content, eliminating single points of failure. The segmentation allows the system to maintain high download speeds through parallel content delivery while improving reliability by distributing content across multiple nodes rather than relying on a centralized CDN infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements peer-to-peer content sharing where nodes in the hierarchical network can serve content to other nodes without always requiring direct connection to the origin server. Nodes that have downloaded software can share it with other nodes in their tier or lower tiers, enabling self-service content distribution that reduces network bottlenecks and improves both speed and reliability.
2Productivity
If a P2P protocol is used for software distribution, then network bandwidth utilization is improved, but security and authorization control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tracker node as an intermediary that coordinates P2P file transfers between nodes. The tracker maintains knowledge of which nodes have which content and facilitates authorized transfers. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain high bandwidth utilization through P2P sharing while improving security by centralizing authorization control and tracking of content distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic permission settings where nodes can have different levels of access rights based on their tier in the hierarchy and their authorization status. The system dynamically adjusts which nodes can share content with which other nodes, allowing flexible bandwidth utilization while maintaining security through adaptive authorization control rather than static permissions.
3Speed
If software is deployed via CDN with fixed topology, then content delivery performance is improved, but adaptability to network changes and failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed topology of traditional CDNs with a dynamic hierarchical network where nodes can be added, removed, or moved between tiers. The system adapts to network changes by dynamically routing content requests through available nodes, maintaining fast content delivery even as the network structure evolves. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to failures and changes while preserving delivery performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the topological parameter from fixed to dynamic, allowing nodes to change their position in the hierarchy and their connectivity relationships. This parameter change enables the network to adapt to various scenarios such as node failures, additions, or varying load conditions while maintaining efficient content delivery speeds through reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If physical connection and upload is used for software deployment, then security and authorization are improved, but deployment time and resource intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having nodes download and cache software content in advance before it is needed for deployment. Nodes can proactively fetch software updates and store them locally, so when deployment is required, the content is already available and can be quickly distributed to target devices. This preliminary action maintains security through authorized downloads while dramatically reducing actual deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables nodes to self-serve by automatically downloading, caching, and redistributing software content without requiring manual physical connection and upload operations. The hierarchical P2P network allows nodes to autonomously manage their content and share it with appropriate nodes or end devices, eliminating the time-consuming manual deployment process while maintaining security through authorized access controls.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer readable storage devices for software distribution across a hierarchical network. A method includes sending, by a first node device, a registration request message to a second node device of a first distribution group of the hierarchical network. The registration request message indicates a request for the first node device to join the hierarchical network. The method further includes receiving, by the first node device, a registration response message from the second node device. The registration response message indicates an assignment of the first node device to a second distribution group corresponding to a tier that is below a tier that includes the first distribution group. The first node device may be authorized to perform peer-to-peer (P2P) communications to receive at least a portion of one or more files from node devices in the second distribution group or the second node device.