Operation Chaining Across Heterogeneous PoPs for Adaptive Compute Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributed computer systems, such as CDNs and cloud computing infrastructures, lack the flexibility to dynamically adjust and direct compute and caching operations based on the availability and capability of resources across different locations, leading to inefficiencies in traffic flow management.

Innovation Solution

A heterogeneous overlay network with configurable tiers of PoPs that support varying levels of cloud computing, combined with operation chaining, allows for the automatic direction of custom compute and caching operations using programmable operation chains defined by configuration files, ensuring optimal resource utilization and traffic flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a tiered network with centralized cloud compute infrastructure is used, then compute power and caching capabilities are concentrated, but operational flexibility and adaptability to network conditions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompute powerVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized cloud compute infrastructure into distributed PoPs (Points of Presence) located at multiple network edges. Each PoP contains local compute and caching resources, dividing the monolithic system into autonomous segments that can independently make decisions about traffic flow and resource allocation, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while preserving aggregate compute power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of distribution by deploying PoPs across multiple geographic and network locations rather than concentrating resources in a single centralized data center. This spatial and network-topological dimensionality change enables the system to adapt to local network conditions while maintaining access to cloud compute capabilities through the heterogeneous overlay network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If cloud compute resources are centralized in few locations, then resource management is simplified, but traffic flow efficiency and response time to network conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource management complexityVSAvoidtraffic flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces operation chains as intermediary mechanisms that coordinate traffic flow across the distributed PoPs. These operation chains act as mediators that simplify resource management by providing a standardized framework for directing traffic, while simultaneously improving speed by enabling local decision-making at each PoP based on real-time network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring operation chains with logic that anticipates network conditions and traffic patterns. This allows PoPs to proactively route traffic through optimal paths before congestion occurs, improving traffic flow efficiency without requiring complex real-time coordination between all nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the network uses fixed infrastructure configuration, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing network conditions and resource availability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the network configuration adaptable and changeable. The heterogeneous overlay network allows PoPs to dynamically join and leave the system, and operation chains can be reconfigured in response to changing network conditions and resource availability, enabling the system to maintain stability through controlled adaptability rather than rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing key system parameters such as resource allocation, traffic routing preferences, and operation chain configurations to be adjusted dynamically based on network conditions. This enables the system to maintain stability by adapting parameters rather than changing the fundamental infrastructure architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If manual configuration of compute operations is used, then control precision is high, but operational efficiency and scalability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling PoPs and operation chains to automatically configure and direct traffic based on pre-defined rules and real-time conditions. This eliminates the need for manual configuration while maintaining control precision through automated decision-making logic, thereby significantly improving operational efficiency and scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the system to automatically adjust traffic flow and resource allocation based on monitored network conditions and performance metrics. This automated feedback loop maintains control precision by continuously optimizing decisions based on actual system state, while improving productivity by eliminating manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260059025A1Automatically directing custom compute operational flows through a heterogeneous overlay and cloud compute infrastructure
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 AKAMAI TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US20260059025A1 patent drawing
  • US20260059025A1 patent drawing
  • US20260059025A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A heterogeneous overlay network and cloud compute infrastructure comprises different tiers of PoPs that are configurable to provide different amounts of cloud computing. To facilitate the programming (configuration) of compute and caching operations throughout the heterogeneous network, a control mechanism and methodology are provided for automatically directing the flow of custom compute and caching operations using configurable “operations chains.” A representative operation chain comprises a configuration file that specifies a traffic flow, and a set of operations and their relative ordering. A particular operation chain defines an initial operation that typically starts at a given edge machine in the heterogeneous network and then, as needed, one or more additional locations and their associated machines may then be used to facilitate processing of the operation chain.