Peer-to-Peer Content Delivery for Virtual Universe Server Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional virtual universe software experiences performance degradation when large numbers of avatars gather in a single region due to its server-centric nature, leading to scalability issues and negative impacts on business transactions and reputation.
Innovation Solution
A mixed server-based/peer-to-peer approach is implemented, where transmission responsibilities are shifted towards peer-to-peer computing as the number of avatars increases, forming subgroups and allowing data transmission between avatars using peer-to-peer broadcast to alleviate server load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a server-centric approach is used to transmit VU data to each avatar, then centralized control and management is achieved, but server load increases significantly and scalability deteriorates when large numbers of avatars gather in a single region
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments avatar groups into subgroups and assigns different transmission responsibilities. Instead of the server transmitting to all avatars uniformly, the system divides avatars into subgroups where some act as peer transmitters, segmenting the transmission load from the server.
Solution Approach 2:
Certain avatars are designated as peer transmitters that independently transmit VU data to other avatars in their subgroup without requiring direct server intervention for each transmission, allowing the system to serve itself partially and reduce server burden.
2Reliability
If the server transmits textures and avatar geometries to each new avatar in a region, then complete data delivery is ensured, but transmission time and server load increase with each new avatar
Solution Approach 1:
Peer transmitters in advance prepare and hold VU data in their clients. When new avatars join, the data is already available at peer transmitters, eliminating the need for immediate server retrieval and transmission, thus reducing transmission time while ensuring data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
Peer transmitter avatars act as intermediaries between the server and other avatars in the subgroup. They receive data from the server once and then distribute it to their subgroup members, reducing the number of direct server-to-avatar transmissions required.
3Device complexity
If traditional server-based content delivery is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but performance degradation occurs during high avatar load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts between server-based and peer-to-peer transmission modes based on server load conditions. When load is high, more peer transmitters are activated; when load is low, the system relies more on direct server transmission, making the architecture adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
Avatars serve dual functions: they are both recipients of VU data and potential peer transmitters to other avatars. This multi-functionality allows the system to scale transmission capacity by utilizing existing avatar clients rather than requiring additional server resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention permits performance adjustment in a virtual universe. In particular, the invention proposes a mixed server-based/peer-to-peer approach, in which transmission responsibilities are shifted towards peer-to-peer computing as the number of avatars within a region increases. The invention may foster fluid business transactions (e.g., sales) during times of high avatar load.