Mobile File System Caching for Network Access Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices experience delays in accessing corporate files and applications due to message flow through intermediary components in corporate LANs and networks, leading to inefficiencies in data communication.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing and persisting cached file system information on mobile devices, which includes a processor configured to store, update, and display file system information by requesting new data when the existing data has aged beyond a threshold and validating user credentials, ensuring timely and efficient access to network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If file system information is accessed through message flow via intermediary components in corporate LAN, then network security and centralized control are maintained, but data access speed and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent caches file system information (directory structures, file metadata, icons) locally on mobile devices before actual access is needed. This preliminary action stores commonly accessed network resource information in the device's file system, eliminating the need for real-time message flow through corporate LAN intermediaries when users access their files, thus maintaining security while dramatically improving access speed.
2Productivity
If file system information is cached locally on mobile devices, then data access efficiency is improved, but device storage requirements and data synchronization complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies of network file system information (directory structures, file metadata, icons) and stores them in the mobile device's local file system. These copies mirror the network file structure without requiring full synchronization complexity. The system updates these copies selectively when changes occur on the network, reducing both storage requirements and synchronization overhead while maintaining fast local access.
3Loss of information
If file system information is frequently updated from network sources, then data freshness is improved, but bandwidth consumption and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic updates of cached file system information based on change notifications from the network file server. Instead of continuous synchronization or frequent polling, the system updates cached data periodically when triggered by network events (file changes, directory modifications). This periodic action maintains data freshness while minimizing unnecessary network traffic and bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device and method are provided for storing and updating file system information for a network resource such as a content server or application server over a wireless connection. Data pertaining to a folder structure or content listing is received at the device and stored in persistent memory. Upon determination that the stored file system information has aged beyond a predetermined threshold and that a last modification time for the network resource is later than a time associated with the first file system information, a request is transmitted over a wireless connection for new file system information for the network resource. The request may be intercepted by a mobile data server that communicates with the network resource to provide the information to the communication device.