Location-Based Caching for Mobile Network Bandwidth Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile wireless computing devices face performance issues due to varying bandwidth across networks and potential network connections during a browsing session, leading to a negative user experience when content is requested in one network level but accessed in another.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a caching policy based on operating metrics such as location and bandwidth, allowing for predictive caching of network content at either the network computing provider or the client device, optimizing content quality and storage according to expected network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If content is cached based on current network conditions, then performance is optimized for current bandwidth, but user experience deteriorates when network conditions change during the browsing session

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent access performanceVSAvoiduser experience consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future network conditions and pre-caching content before the actual access occurs. The network computing provider uses location metrics and network coverage area information to anticipate when a client device will enter different network zones and proactively caches appropriate content in advance, ensuring seamless transition between network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple caching policies are implemented for different network levels, then adaptability to network changes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork condition adaptabilityVSAvoidcaching policy complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The caching policy is segmented into distinct network coverage areas, each with its own caching characteristics. The network computing provider divides the service area into multiple coverage zones (e.g., wireless network coverage areas, cellular network coverage areas) and applies different caching strategies to each segment based on the expected bandwidth and network conditions of that specific area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The caching policy dynamically adapts to changing network conditions by monitoring location metrics and network availability. The system transitions between different caching policies based on real-time or predicted network state, allowing the client device to optimize content caching behavior as it moves between different network coverage areas during the browsing session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If content is pre-cached based on predicted future location, then latency is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent access latencyVSAvoidlocation metric accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by using coarse-grained location metrics and network coverage area information rather than requiring precise real-time location tracking. The network computing provider uses available location data (such as cell tower triangulation or wireless network identification) to determine general coverage areas, which is sufficient for effective content caching without demanding high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9967361B2Physical location influenced caching
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the caching of network content requested by a user of a client computing device during a browsing session. The client computing device's various networks and varying bandwidth can have a negative impact on the browsing session. Caching of network content can enhance performance. For example, network content can be cached on a wireless mobile device so that it is available on the device at a further time without requiring significant bandwidth or, in some cases, even a network connection. Predicting the bandwidth at the time the cached content will be accessed can allow customized caching and an improved user experience.