Proxy Server DNS Cache Adaptation for Satellite Network Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite communication networks, the non-co-location of DNS name servers with network entities and the need for interaction with upstream DNS name servers introduce significant transport delays, which are not adequately addressed by existing caching mechanisms, impacting end-to-end network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs a proxy server with a local DNS cache and connectivity monitoring to determine when domain name resolution information has expired, allowing conditional serving of cached entries and automatic back refresh from upstream DNS name servers, optimizing performance by minimizing transport delays and adapting to network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DNS name servers are not co-located with network entities, then service coverage and geographic distribution are improved, but transport delay and network performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by caching DNS resolution results before they are needed. The proxy server stores domain name to IP address mappings in local storage, so when a resolution is needed, the information is already available locally rather than requiring real-time network lookup. This anticipatory caching directly addresses the transport delay issue while maintaining geographic distribution of DNS services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary between network entities and upstream DNS name servers. This intermediary layer caches resolution results and manages connectivity monitoring, reducing the need for direct communication between distributed DNS servers and network entities. The proxy server mediates the resolution process, localizing the service while maintaining connection to upstream authorities when needed.
2Loss of time
If DNS name servers are co-located with network entities, then transport delay is reduced, but service geographic distribution and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server acts as an intermediary that enables DNS name servers to remain geographically distributed while providing localized resolution services. By caching results at the proxy server level, the system achieves fast local response times without requiring physical co-location of authoritative DNS servers with network entities, thus maintaining service geographic distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary caching of DNS resolutions at distributed proxy servers allows the system to maintain geographic distribution of DNS infrastructure while providing fast local responses. The resolution information is prepared in advance and stored locally, eliminating the need for physical co-location while maintaining low latency.
3Speed
If cached expired resolution is used, then response speed is improved, but information accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through connectivity monitoring that tracks whether cached IP addresses remain valid. The system monitors network connectivity and detects when cached resolutions become stale, using this feedback to determine when to refresh the cache. This feedback loop maintains information accuracy while allowing aggressive caching for speed, as the system only serves cached data when connectivity monitoring confirms it remains valid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the caching behavior adaptive rather than static. The proxy server dynamically adjusts whether to serve cached expired resolutions based on real-time connectivity conditions and IP address change frequency. When conditions indicate high stability, expired cache is served for speed; when conditions indicate potential changes, the system refreshes for accuracy. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between speed and reliability.
4Reliability
If frequent connectivity monitoring is performed, then information accuracy is improved, but system resource consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity monitoring system is made dynamic and adaptive rather than operating at fixed high intensity. The monitoring frequency and depth are adjusted based on cached entry characteristics, network conditions, and observed IP address stability. This dynamic approach maintains high information accuracy when needed while reducing resource consumption during stable periods, thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing connectivity monitoring selectively rather than continuously for all cached entries. The system monitors connectivity based on factors such as time since cache insertion, observed change frequency, and request patterns. This selective monitoring achieves sufficient information accuracy for critical entries while reducing overall system complexity and resource consumption by not monitoring everything at maximum intensity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for improving proxy server performance in a communication network. The system and method employ a proxy server configured to, in response to a request identifying a domain name, determine whether domain name resolution information associated with the domain name is stored in a storage accessible by the proxy server and has exceeded an expiration time for the domain name resolution information, provide the domain name resolution information from the storage in response to the request via the network upon determining that the domain name resolution information is stored in the storage, has exceeded the expiration time and meets a delivery condition, and request from a domain name server updated domain name resolution information upon determining that the domain name resolution information is at least one of absent from the storage and has exceeded the expiration time.