P2P Overlay Network for Private Data Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Private networks face bottlenecks in VPN and gateway links when delivering data content streams to a large number of renderers simultaneously, as these links are not dimensioned to handle the increased bandwidth demand, leading to inefficiencies in data distribution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a peer-to-peer (P2P) connectivity overlay network within the private network, where managing peers in main and secondary segments download and distribute data content, reducing the need for expensive multicast routers and optimizing data flow by utilizing peer devices for content sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unicast streaming is used to deliver data content to multiple renderers, then the streaming source can serve diverse content requirements, but the bandwidth demand increases linearly creating a bottleneck at the source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple cache locations distributed throughout the network. Instead of having a single central source serving all renderers, the data content is divided and cached at multiple intermediate nodes. Each cache location serves local renderers independently, reducing the bandwidth burden on any single path and enabling parallel content delivery to multiple renderers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces web caching appliances as intermediary elements between the streaming source and the renderers. These caching appliances receive data content from the source and store copies locally, then serve the content to multiple renderers concurrently. The intermediaries absorb the bandwidth pressure by caching content, allowing the source to transmit data once while multiple renderers access it from local caches.
2Quantity of substance
If web caching appliances are distributed throughout the network to overcome bottlenecks, then bandwidth demand at the source is reduced, but the complexity of procurement, administration, and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the caching appliances automatically manage their own operations without requiring centralized administration. The system includes automatic content selection, caching decisions, and peer-to-peer data distribution protocols that allow the cache locations to autonomously serve renderers based on local demand patterns, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical network infrastructure (dedicated multicast routers, complex switching configurations) with software-based peer-to-peer caching mechanisms. Instead of relying on expensive hardware appliances requiring physical deployment and configuration, the system uses software applications running on standard network devices that automatically establish data distribution paths through the existing network infrastructure.
3Productivity
If traditional multicast routing is used to distribute data content, then efficient data distribution is achieved, but the cost of installing necessary hardware increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying mechanisms where data content is replicated and cached at multiple distributed locations rather than relying on single-source multicast distribution. Each cache location creates a local copy of the content and serves it to renderers independently. This copying approach eliminates the need for expensive multicast routing hardware by using standard network devices that can replicate and forward data through existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of data distribution from traditional unicast (one-to-one) or controlled multicast (one-to-many with special hardware) to distributed caching (many-to-many through replication). By transforming the distribution model into a peer-to-peer caching system, the patent achieves efficient data distribution using standard network equipment rather than specialized expensive hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and device for distributing data content in a private network.Thus, in a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for distributing data content in a private network comprising a number of secondary network segments each connected to a main network segment via a virtual private network connection, which private network comprises devices for rendering the data content. The method comprises the step of arranging the devices rendering the data content as peers in a peer-to-peer (P2P) connectivity overlay network within the private network. Further, the method comprises the step of assigning a managing peer in the main network segment responsible to download the data content from a streaming source outside the private network via a gateway and to distribute the data content to at least one further peer in the main network segment. Moreover, the method comprises the step of assigning a managing peer in each secondary network segment responsible to fetch the data content from a peer in the main network segment and to distribute the fetched data content to at least one further peer within the same secondary network segment.