Multi-Peer Routing via Geographic Proximity Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network systems face inefficiencies in routing content due to unnecessary usage of network elements and communication distance, leading to increased latency and costs, as they often select paths that are not optimized for geographic proximity between servers and end users.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the geographic location of network components and correlating them with access networks to provide altered destination paths that minimize transmission through geographically distant locations, thereby reducing network load and latency by preferring access networks connected to the same or similar geographic areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the network selects paths with the fewest number of network elements and communication distance, then network latency is reduced and throughput is increased, but the end user device may not always select this optimized route due to multiple available access networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidaccess network selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs preliminary routing calculations and determines optimized paths before actual data transmission occurs. By pre-computing the best routes based on network topology and geographic information, the system ensures that end user devices are guided to select the optimal access network, resolving the contradiction between throughput optimization and access flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a routing optimization mechanism as an intermediary between the end user device and multiple access networks. This intermediary component analyzes available paths and provides guidance to the end user device, ensuring selection of the optimized route while maintaining the appearance of multiple access options, thus preserving flexibility while achieving throughput goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a CDN server utilizes one access network to reach an end user while utilizing a separate non-symmetric path for the user to contact the server, then communication flexibility is maintained, but more network elements and communication distance are utilized than necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication path flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing the return path specifically for the CDN traffic flow. Instead of allowing completely asymmetric routing, the system ensures that the response path from CDN server to end user follows the same optimized geographic route, reducing overall communication distance while maintaining the flexibility of multiple access network options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The routing optimization is performed in advance for both forward and reverse directions of CDN communication. By pre-determining the optimal path for both the request and response traffic, the system eliminates unnecessary communication distance while maintaining communication flexibility through multiple available access networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If the network provides content from a server separated by minimal network infrastructure from the requesting device, then latency is decreased and throughput is increased, but unnecessary network usage costs and performance impacts occur when non-optimized paths are selected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork latencyVSAvoidnetwork usage cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network device continuously monitors actual path selection and performance metrics. When non-optimized paths are detected, the system provides feedback to adjust routing decisions, ensuring that future transmissions use the most efficient paths. This feedback loop minimizes both latency and network usage costs by learning from actual network behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The routing optimization system is dynamic, continuously adapting to changing network conditions and actual path selections. By making routing decisions flexible and responsive rather than static, the system can adjust to maintain optimal latency performance while minimizing network usage costs, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3155762B1Multi-peer routing in a network
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS LLC
  • EP3155762B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3155762B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3155762B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for managing the distribution of content and/or communications from a computer network to an end user of the network. In general, the system receives a request for content from the network and determines a server or content providing component within the network to provide the content to the user. In addition, the network may reduce the number of components and distance requests for the content are transmitted through the associated networks. The network may provide altered destination paths to one or more access networks through which the end user accesses the network. The altered destination paths may be used by the end user's service provider or local network to select an access network for accessing the computer network to minimize the impact on the computer network for providing the content to the end user.