Hybrid Content Distribution via Private CDN and Cloud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content providers face challenges in balancing content delivery speed and control between central cloud services and content distribution networks (CDNs), as central services offer control but slow delivery due to distance, while CDNs provide fast access but compromise control and update capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid content provisioning system that allows content providers to seamlessly switch between central cloud services and private CDNs, enabling faster content delivery with enhanced control by caching content in a CDN and using cloud services for authentication and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central cloud service is used for content distribution, then the content provider has greater control over access and updates, but the delivery speed is reduced due to the distance between the central service and clients
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments content distribution by dividing content into different types (frequently updated vs. stable content) and routing them through different distribution paths (central cloud service vs. edge CDN servers), allowing simultaneous optimization of control and delivery speed for different content categories
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that enables seamless switching between central cloud service and edge CDN servers based on content characteristics and access patterns, allowing the system to leverage both architectures without being constrained to one approach
2Speed
If a content distribution network (CDN) is used, then clients can more quickly access content, but the provider's control and ability to update content is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution strategy for each content item based on its update frequency and access patterns, automatically transitioning between central and edge distribution modes without manual intervention, thus maintaining both speed and control adaptively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal content distribution framework that can handle both centrally-controlled content and edge-cached content through a unified interface, allowing the same system to serve multiple distribution needs without requiring separate infrastructure
3Speed
If content is distributed throughout a CDN, then client access speed improves, but the complexity of managing content distribution and access control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the CDN infrastructure automatically manages content caching, validation, and distribution decisions based on predefined policies, reducing the manual management burden while maintaining fast delivery speeds
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides for improved computational efficiency in systems used to provide content over a network. Hybrid content sourcing is enabled to provide content via a Content Distribution System (CDN) and a centralized service in conjunction with one another via a single URL provided to client devices. Client devices are provided with expiration tokens, which are used to authorize the CDN to request and serve the content to the client devices with the security inherent to the centralized service. Tenants are thereby enabled to use the CDN as an available source via a single Uniform Resource Locator provided to clients with greater security than public CDNs.