Peer-to-Peer Email Synchronization Reducing Server Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing email synchronization systems face difficulties when a large number of client devices attempt to synchronize with an email server simultaneously, often due to limited network bandwidth or compute resources, leading to sluggish or failed synchronization and negatively impacting user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a content replicator that enables peer-to-peer email content replication and synchronization among client devices, allowing them to share email content instead of retrieving it from the email server, thereby reducing the load on network bandwidth and compute resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple client devices synchronize with the email server simultaneously using the store-and-forward model, then email content can be retrieved and synchronized, but network bandwidth and compute resources are overwhelmed leading to sluggish or failed synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates peer-to-peer copies of email content between client devices. When one client device has already downloaded email content from the server, it creates local copies that can be shared with other client devices through direct peer-to-peer connections, eliminating the need for all devices to simultaneously connect to the server and reducing network bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where client devices that have already retrieved email content act as intermediaries for other devices. These intermediary devices share content through local network connections, mediating the distribution process and reducing the load on the central email server.
2Ease of operation
If client devices with limited compute resources or slow network connections synchronize with the email server, then email content can be retrieved, but synchronization latency increases or synchronization fails completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local quality optimization by allowing client devices to retrieve email content from nearby peer devices through local network connections rather than always connecting to the remote email server. This localizes the synchronization process, providing faster access for devices with slow network connections and reducing synchronization latency.
3Device complexity
If all client devices retrieve email content from the email server, then centralized control is maintained, but network bandwidth consumption increases and server load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the email content distribution function into the peer-to-peer network itself. Instead of relying solely on the centralized server for all content distribution, the system combines server-based initial distribution with peer-to-peer content sharing, creating a hybrid architecture that reduces overall network bandwidth consumption and server load.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques of peer-to-peer email synchronization are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a technique includes transmitting, from a first client device to an email server, a synchronization request to synchronize an email between the email server and the first client device. In response, the first client device receives a reply containing data representing a replicate identification of email content of the email and identification of a second client device at which a copy of the email content is present. Upon receiving the reply, the first client device can establish a peer-to-peer communications channel with the second client device, download a copy of the email content of the email from the second client device instead of the email server, and surface the downloaded email content in an email client on the first client device to a user.