Network Software Distribution via Node Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distribution of software through networks is hindered by slow transmission speeds, unreliable connections, and reduced bandwidth due to the increasing complexity and size of software, as well as the need for frequent updates, which can diminish available resources for other applications.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first node within a network group checks if other nodes have downloaded specified software from a server, and if so, transfers it from those nodes instead of re-downloading from the server, and designates a node to download and distribute software efficiently within the network group, utilizing higher speeds within the local area network to reduce network burden and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software is downloaded from a server through the Internet or network, then software distribution becomes more convenient and rapid compared to traditional media, but transmission speed slows down and bandwidth is reduced due to increasing software complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software distribution process by dividing the network into multiple zones (demilitarized zone, internal zone, external zone) and distributing software across multiple nodes within these zones. This segmentation allows parallel downloads from multiple sources simultaneously, improving transmission speed while maintaining distribution convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-downloading and caching software updates in the demilitarized zone before they are needed by internal nodes. This advance preparation reduces the actual download time for internal nodes, effectively increasing transmission speed without sacrificing distribution convenience.
2Reliability
If software updates are frequently downloaded to fight viruses and filter spam, then security is improved, but available bandwidth for other applications is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary demilitarized zone that acts as a buffer between external security updates and internal network nodes. Security updates are downloaded and validated in this intermediary zone first, allowing frequent security updates to be applied without directly consuming internal network bandwidth, thus maintaining both security and available bandwidth for other applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into distinct zones with different functions. The demilitarized zone handles security updates separately from the internal zone that handles business applications. This segmentation isolates bandwidth consumption for security updates, preventing them from reducing available bandwidth for other applications while maintaining continuous security protection.
3Productivity
If multiple nodes within the same local area network download the same software from the server, then each node receives the software, but network bandwidth is consumed repeatedly and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements copying by allowing nodes in the internal zone to download software from cached copies in the demilitarized zone rather than all nodes downloading from the external server. This creates local copies within the network, maintaining distribution efficiency while dramatically reducing external bandwidth consumption and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary downloading of software to the demilitarized zone nodes in advance. When internal nodes need the software, they retrieve it from these pre-cached copies rather than performing repeated downloads from the external server. This preliminary action eliminates redundant bandwidth consumption while maintaining efficient software distribution to multiple nodes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If software size increases due to complexity, then software functionality is improved, but download time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large software files into smaller components and distributes them across multiple nodes in the demilitarized zone. Internal nodes can then download multiple smaller segments simultaneously from different sources in parallel, reducing the total download time for large software updates while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary downloading and caching of large software updates in the demilitarized zone before internal nodes need them. This advance preparation breaks down the download time burden, allowing internal nodes to quickly retrieve pre-processed software segments without experiencing the full download time of large files, thus preserving both functionality and reducing perceived download time.
Data Source
AI summary
A first node within a network group determines whether other nodes within the network group have previously downloaded software from a server. The server is outside the network group. If the software was previously downloaded to a second node within the network group, the software is transferred from the second node to the first node, avoiding the need to download the software directly from the server. If the software was not previously downloaded, a node within the network group is designated to download the software from the server, and then distributes the software to at least one requesting node.