Distributed Network Node Directory Cache Lookup Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed communication networks, such as blockchain networks, face inefficiencies in node connectivity without centralized directories, as nodes lack explicit methods to locate and connect with each other, leading to inefficient communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A system where intermediary nodes in the network store a directory cache with response terms, timestamps, and time-to-live values, allowing them to forward lookup messages to establish connections between originating and target nodes without a centralized directory, maintaining security and privacy through encryption and hashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a centralized directory is used to enable node connections, then connection efficiency is improved, but network decentralization and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lookup message mechanism that acts as an intermediary between originating and target nodes. Instead of direct connection or centralized directory, the lookup message circulates through the network carrying identification information, enabling indirect connection establishment that maintains decentralization while achieving efficient node discovery
Solution Approach 2:
The connection establishment process is segmented into distinct phases: lookup message generation, message circulation through intermediary nodes, target node identification, and connection formation. This segmentation allows each node to perform only necessary functions (checking if it's the target or forwarding messages) rather than maintaining complete network knowledge, achieving both efficiency and decentralization
2Ease of operation
If nodes broadcast messages to locate each other, then connection capability is achieved, but network efficiency and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete broadcasting to all nodes, the lookup message mechanism performs partial action by circulating through a subset of intermediary nodes. The message includes specific identification information that allows target nodes to recognize themselves without requiring every node to process and respond to every connection request, significantly improving network efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lookup message is prepared in advance with embedded identification information about the target node before circulation begins. This preliminary action allows intermediary nodes to quickly determine whether to forward or discard messages based on pre-configured knowledge, reducing processing overhead and improving overall network efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing a connection between two nodes in a communication network without use of a centralized directory or mapping identifiers includes: receiving a lookup message from another node in the communication network that includes a lookup term; determining if a target node in a local directory cache can be identified that satisfies the lookup term; and, if such a node is identified, establishing a connection to the target node and forwarding the lookup message, or, if no such node is identified, forwarding the lookup message to other nodes in the network with which the node has an active communication connection.