P2P Network Node Selection via Intermediate Cost Interception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current P2P networking methods rely on simple Round Trip Time (RTT) measurements for node selection, which is inefficient and does not account for detailed network architecture and dynamic conditions, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and increased load on centralized nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that intercept messages in a packet data network to determine communication costs between nodes, influencing node suitability information to optimize data source selection by imposing delays or generating simulated RTT messages based on real-time network conditions, such as network topology, bandwidth, and Quality of Service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple RTT measurements are used for node selection in P2P networks, then the selection process is simple and fast, but the resource utilization is inefficient and communication costs are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate node (such as a gateway or router) that acts as a mediator between data requesting nodes and data source nodes. This intermediary intercepts RTT measurement messages, calculates actual communication costs based on network topology and dynamic conditions, and provides corrected suitability information to requesting nodes, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple selection and efficient resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having intermediate nodes monitor network conditions and communicate cost information back to requesting nodes. The intermediate node observes actual network performance metrics and uses this feedback to adjust the suitability ratings of potential data sources, ensuring that node selection reflects current network conditions rather than relying solely on simple RTT measurements
2Productivity
If detailed network topology and dynamic conditions are considered for node selection, then communication cost optimization is achieved, but the complexity of the selection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate node centralizes the complexity of analyzing network topology and dynamic conditions, shielding requesting nodes from this complexity. The intermediary performs sophisticated cost calculations based on multiple factors (link capacity, load, topology) while presenting simplified suitability information to requesting nodes, thus achieving bandwidth efficiency without increasing the complexity burden on peer nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate node autonomously performs the complex task of evaluating network conditions and calculating communication costs without requiring requesting nodes to implement complex selection algorithms. The intermediary serves itself by maintaining network state information and automatically updating suitability ratings based on observed conditions, eliminating the need for requesting nodes to perform complex analyses
3Ease of operation
If centralized nodes are used to manage P2P network routing, then coordination is simplified, but the load on centralized nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management function by distributing responsibilities between intermediate nodes (which perform local cost calculations and message interception) and requesting nodes (which perform final selection based on provided suitability information). This segmentation reduces the load on any single centralized node while maintaining coordinated network operation through the intermediate nodes that act as distributed management points
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of selecting a data source node from a plurality of data source nodes, the selected data source node being used to send data to a data requesting node over a packet data network. The method includes, at an intermediate node of the network, intercepting at least one message sent to or from the data requesting node, the message(s) relating to data source node suitability, determining a cost of communication between the data requesting node and each of the data source nodes to which the message(s) relate, and influencing data source node suitability information sent to the data requesting node to take account of the cost to enable the data requesting node to use the information to select a data source node.