Router Cache Segmentation for Local Network Traffic Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network architectures experience significant redundant network traffic due to the client/server model, which can slow down internet speeds and increase infrastructure costs, especially in emerging markets with limited infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local router that caches data content, allowing client devices to share resources peer-to-peer within a local network, reducing the need for external server requests and optimizing network utilization through content-specific caching and resource synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If content delivery networks and browser caches are used, then network traffic bottlenecks are relieved, but a large amount of redundant traffic still flows through the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network caching function by introducing a router-level cache that operates independently from both server-side content delivery networks and client-side browser caches. This creates a three-tier caching architecture where the router cache handles local network requests, dividing the traffic reduction task across multiple levels and eliminating redundant external traffic while maintaining internal network efficiency.
2Productivity
If content is cached on distributed cache servers, then server end bottlenecks are relieved, but network infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the caching function from the traditional server-dimension to the network-router dimension. By implementing caching at the router level rather than relying on distributed cache servers, the solution eliminates the need for additional server infrastructure while reducing network traffic costs, effectively solving the problem from a different architectural dimension.
3Productivity
If browser caches are used on client devices, then client end bottlenecks are relieved, but redundant traffic flows between content delivery networks and servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the router cache as an intermediary between content delivery networks and client devices. This intermediary cache intercepts requests from multiple clients, serves cached content locally, and prevents redundant traffic from reaching external servers, thereby eliminating the wasteful traffic pattern while maintaining efficient client request handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a router is disclosed. The method may include updating a data object to or from a router cache of the router. For example, the router may store or distribute the data object by determining whether a client device in a local network established by the router stores a version of the data object different from a version on the router cache. For another example, the router may store the data object based on a cacheable tag associated with the data object, the cacheable tag indicating that the data object is intended by a content server system to be cached in the router cache.