Multicast Upgrade Distribution for Client Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upgrade methods for computing devices are inefficient and unreliable due to the slow transmission of application upgrades, where each client device receives separate data streams, causing a burden on upgrade nodes and leading to slower and less reliable upgrades.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying multiple upgrade requests for the same file, grouping them, logically dividing the data into portions, and using multicast transmission from designated upgrade nodes to client devices, thereby reducing the time and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate data streams are sent to each client device, then each device can receive upgrades independently, but the transmission speed decreases and the burden on upgrade nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate data streams into a single multicast data stream that can be received by multiple client devices simultaneously. Instead of establishing individual unicast connections from the upgrade node to each client device, the system creates one multicast stream that delivers the upgrade data to all requesting devices at once, thereby improving transmission speed while maintaining reliability through the multicast protocol's error handling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the upgrade data into multiple chunks or packets that are transmitted through the multicast stream. Each client device receives the complete set of segmented data and reassembles it locally, which maintains data integrity and reliability while enabling efficient parallel delivery to multiple devices through a single network stream.
2Reliability
If separate data streams are sent to each client device, then data can be transmitted to all devices, but the time required to complete upgrades increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple unicast transmissions into a single multicast transmission, the system delivers upgrade data to all client devices simultaneously rather than sequentially. This merging of transmission channels dramatically reduces the total time required to complete upgrades across the network while ensuring all devices receive the complete data set through the multicast protocol's reliable delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the multicast stream before all client devices have fully requested the upgrade. The multicast stream is prepared and data transmission begins in advance, allowing devices that request the upgrade to receive it immediately without waiting for individual stream establishment, thereby reducing overall upgrade completion time.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate data streams are maintained, then each client device can be served individually, but the burden on upgrade nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual service requests into a single multicast service operation. Instead of the upgrade node maintaining separate data streams and managing individual connections to each client device, the node creates one multicast stream that serves all devices simultaneously. This significantly reduces the processing power, memory, and network resources required at the upgrade node while preserving the ability to serve each device individually through the multicast distribution mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing upgrades includes identifying multiple upgrade requests sent by multiple client devices. The method also includes identifying that the multiple upgrade requests are each for a same upgrade file and grouping the multiple upgrade requests. Further, the method includes logically dividing data associated with the same upgrade file into multiple logical data portions, where the logical data portions together form the same upgrade file. In addition, the method includes identifying multiple upgrade nodes where each one of the upgrade nodes contains at least one of the logical data portions. Moreover, the method includes initiating, based on grouping the upgrade requests, a multicast transmission of the logical data portions from the upgrade nodes to the client devices.