Peer Selection in P2P Networks via Proximity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing popularity of peer-to-peer (P2P) communications in networks leads to significant network capacity consumption, causing performance degradation and increased costs for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as they struggle to support a large number of P2P users without overloading their networks.

Innovation Solution

A method for peer selection in networks that requests and organizes peer information based on user preferences such as proximity and service provider, allowing P2P applications to select peer endpoint devices efficiently, thereby reducing network load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If P2P applications allow peer endpoint devices to be located anywhere with Internet access, then user freedom and service versatility are improved, but network capacity consumption increases and network performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeer location flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork capacity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by prioritizing peer selection based on geographic proximity and service provider affiliation. Instead of treating all peers equally regardless of location, the system gives preference to peers located in the same geographic region or served by the same ISP, thereby localizing traffic flow and reducing long-distance network capacity consumption while preserving user freedom to connect with distant peers when necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making peer selection adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically evaluates peer characteristics such as geographic location, service provider, and network conditions to determine optimal peer connections. This dynamic approach allows the network to adjust peer selection in real-time based on current network load and user preferences, balancing versatility with efficient resource utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If ISPs dedicate large amounts of core and edge network capacity to handle P2P traffic, then support for P2P users is improved, but network cost increases and other network services may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveP2P user support capacityVSAvoidnetwork capacity allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces network capacity allocation requirements by implementing local quality in peer selection. By prioritizing peers within the same geographic region or service provider network, traffic remains localized and does not traverse the entire core and edge network infrastructure. This significantly reduces the network capacity that ISPs must dedicate to P2P traffic while maintaining full support for P2P users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of peer selection criteria that acts as a filter between P2P applications and the network infrastructure. This intermediary layer guides traffic flow to prefer local peers, thereby reducing the burden on core and edge network capacity without requiring ISPs to make substantial infrastructure investments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If P2P traffic is allowed to flow freely across the network, then user freedom in service choices is improved, but network overload occurs and overall network performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser freedom in peer selectionVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through prioritized peer selection based on geographic proximity and service provider affiliation. Users maintain complete freedom to select any peer, but the system provides preferential treatment to local peers through ranking and selection algorithms. This approach preserves user freedom while naturally directing the majority of traffic locally, preventing network overload and maintaining reliable network performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If peer endpoint devices are selected without considering proximity or service provider, then peer selection simplicity is improved, but network capacity consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeer selection processVSAvoidnetwork capacity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating geographic proximity and service provider affiliation as prioritization criteria in peer selection. The system maintains a simple selection process from the user perspective but adds intelligent filtering and ranking in the background that preferentially selects local peers. This approach keeps the peer selection process straightforward while significantly reducing network capacity consumption through localized traffic flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8560664B2Method and apparatus for providing peer selection in a network

Publication Date: 2013.10.15 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing peer selection in a network are disclosed. For example, the method requests peer information from an application server supporting a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) service, and receives the peer information comprising a plurality of peer endpoint devices. The method then selects a peer endpoint device from the plurality of peer endpoint devices based on at least one preference.