Intermediated Network Application Retrieval via Dynamic Server Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern network applications face significant performance issues due to lag times caused by distance and network conditions, making it difficult to retrieve data efficiently over wide area networks, especially when accessing applications from geographically distant servers.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a computing device analyzes network conditions and uses intermediary servers to access network applications, determining the fastest and highest quality route for data retrieval, which can include processing and transmitting the application to the user device, thereby improving performance and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is retrieved directly from a remote server over a wide area network, then the application can be accessed, but significant lag time occurs due to distance and network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary servers positioned geographically between the user and the remote application server. These intermediaries cache application data and serve it to users locally, eliminating the need for direct long-distance network communication. The intermediary server acts as a mediator that provides fast local access while the application logically remains on the remote server.
2Loss of time
If an intermediary server is used to reduce lag time, then data retrieval speed improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server is designed to perform multiple functions: it caches application data, serves as a local access point for users, manages cache invalidation, and coordinates with both users and remote servers. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single versatile component, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the computing device directly accesses the application server, then the network path is simple, but performance degrades due to distance and network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server performs preliminary actions by caching application data before users need it. When an application is accessed, the intermediary proactively stores data locally and serves subsequent requests from this pre-positioned cache, eliminating the need for repeated long-distance network trips. This preliminary caching action prevents performance degradation before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses may provide for the intermediated retrieval of applications on a network. A computing device may be configured to receive an application from an application server on a network. Based on, for example, the network conditions between the computing device and the application server, the computing device may query a plurality of intermediary servers. Based on a decision that, for example, the network conditions between the computing device, application server, and a selected intermediary server are better than the network conditions between the computing device and the application server, the computing device may cause the application to be retrieved by a host application of the selected intermediary server. The host application may process and transmit the application to the computing device. The computing device may display the processed application and transmit user input corresponding to the processed application to the intermediary server.