Peer-to-Peer File Synchronization Protocol Reduces Server Bandwidth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Server-based file storage systems accessed over wide area networks face high bandwidth requirements for maintaining synchronization among shared folders across multiple computers, as existing methods rely on frequent data transfers from the server to all connected devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a synchronization protocol that enables peer-to-peer file transfers between target computers, reducing the need for the server to transmit data files by using metadata to facilitate local synchronization, and allowing encrypted file transfers between devices over the wide area network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server transmits data files to all target computers to maintain synchronization, then folder synchronization is maintained, but bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulk data transfer function from the server and relocates it to peer-to-peer connections between target computers. The server retains only metadata management and coordination functions, while actual file synchronization occurs directly between clients, eliminating redundant data transmission through the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local copies of files in mirrored folders on each target computer. Instead of the server continuously transmitting file data to maintain synchronization, each computer maintains a local copy and only communicates metadata changes with the server and file changes peer-to-peer with other targets.
2Ease of operation
If the server manages all file transfers between target computers, then centralized control is maintained, but network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file synchronization function into two separate communication channels: metadata management through the server and actual file data transfer through direct peer-to-peer connections between target computers. This segmentation reduces server network traffic while maintaining centralized coordination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary for metadata coordination rather than as a data relay. It mediates the synchronization process by coordinating which files need to be synchronized and between which peers, but does not transmit the actual file data, reducing its network burden.
3Reliability
If all target computers synchronize with the server, then synchronization completeness is ensured, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple synchronization paths into a more efficient structure where target computers that have received updates from the server can act as additional sources for peer-to-peer synchronization. This combining of synchronization sources reduces the total bandwidth consumption compared to all computers synchronizing directly with the server.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of reducing bandwidth required for sharing a selected network-stored folder with a set of target computers so as to cause, on each target computer, storage locally of a mirrored folder that corresponds to the selected folder. The method uses file transfers on a peer-to-peer basis.