Proxy Server Caching in Encrypted Content Distribution Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current content distribution networks face inefficiencies due to content duplication not being close enough to user access points, generating significant traffic and limiting caching capabilities, especially with the adoption of secure exchange protocols like HTTP/2, which hinder access providers' ability to cache content effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method for caching content in a content distribution network involving a browser module that sends requests to a content provider, with a proxy server intercepting and obtaining information to cache content closer to the user, utilizing encrypted sessions and a control server to select optimal caching networks based on user proximity and content criteria, reducing network traffic and improving user satisfaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If content is duplicated in substitute servers at interconnection points, then routing costs are reduced, but content cannot be cached close to user access points, generating significant network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for content distribution by enabling caching at the user terminal device itself, rather than only at network infrastructure points. This shifts the caching location from network-centric to user-centric, allowing content to be stored locally at the edge of the network closest to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary between the user terminal and the content distribution network. This proxy server acts as a mediator that can intercept requests, communicate with the content distribution network, and enable caching functionality at the user terminal without requiring modifications to the user's browser or terminal software.
2Reliability
If secure exchange protocols like HTTP/2 are used, then security is improved, but access providers cannot access request information to implement caching policies
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server serves as an intermediary that maintains secure encrypted connections with user terminals while simultaneously enabling caching functionality. It can inspect and interpret HTTP/2 requests from the user terminal and communicate with the content distribution network, bridging the gap between security requirements and caching needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the HTTP request information at the proxy server level, allowing the content distribution network to receive and process caching-relevant information without requiring the user terminal to send unencrypted data. The proxy server translates and forwards appropriate information to the content distribution network while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for caching a piece of content in a content distribution network of a first network, a browser module running on a user terminal and allowing access to content by using encrypted sessions, the browser module being associated with a proxy server of a second network interconnected with the first network, the proxy server controlling a current session status between the browser module and a content provider. The method includes: the browser module sending a request relating to the content to the content provider; the proxy server obtaining a piece of information relating to the request; the browser module receiving the requested content; and the proxy server commanding the browser module to cache the content in the content distribution network.