Subscription Policy Distribution for Network Caching Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current caching systems face inefficiencies due to generic caching policies that do not optimize bandwidth savings for all web sites, requiring custom solutions developed from voluminous log files and distributed haphazardly, often without guarantee of success, as each issue is treated separately and in isolation.
Innovation Solution
A subscription-based system for distributing policy updates to network intermediary devices, including caching policy language files and directives, which can specify caching behaviors for specific web sites or objects, allowing for periodic and randomized updates without the need for operating system changes, and incorporating data collection for future policy refinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If generic caching policies are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth savings optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments caching policies into generic default policies and site-specific custom policies. Generic policies handle common cases simply, while site-specific policies are applied only when needed to optimize bandwidth savings for particular websites, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different caching behaviors to different websites based on their specific characteristics. Instead of uniform treatment, the patent implements local quality by tailoring caching policies to individual site requirements, thereby optimizing bandwidth savings for each site while maintaining simple generic policies for others.
2Reliability
If custom solutions are developed for each caching problem, then optimization effectiveness improves, but distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a policy distribution server as an intermediary that centralizes the development, storage, and distribution of custom caching policies. This mediator handles the complexity of policy management and distribution automatically, allowing optimization effectiveness to improve while preventing distribution complexity from increasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The policy distribution server provides universal functionality for managing multiple custom policies across different websites and intermediary devices. This multi-functional system handles various caching scenarios through a single unified platform, improving optimization effectiveness while maintaining manageable distribution complexity.
3Productivity
If haphazard distribution of custom configuration files is performed, then implementation speed increases, but solution reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where intermediary devices report caching performance data back to the policy distribution server. This feedback loop enables the system to verify that distributed policies are effective, ensuring reliability while maintaining fast implementation through automated policy application based on performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-developing and pre-testing custom caching policies before distribution. Policies are prepared in advance with known effectiveness, and the distribution system automatically applies them, ensuring both fast implementation and reliable outcomes without haphazard deployment.
4Reliability
If separate disparate solutions are developed for each caching problem, then problem-specific optimization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate caching solutions into a unified policy distribution framework. Individual site-specific policies are combined with generic policies and managed through a single centralized system, achieving problem-specific optimization while reducing overall system complexity through consolidation and standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A policy distribution server provides, on a subscription basis, policy updates to effect desired behaviors of network intermediary devices. The policy updates may specify caching policies, and may in some instances, include instructions for data collection by the network intermediary devices. Data collected in accordance with such instructions may be used to inform future policy updates distributed to the network intermediary devices.