SDN-Based Content Distribution Network Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Content Distribution Networks (CDN) face challenges such as bearer network closeness, hardware specificity, and management complexity, which hinder the integration of SDN technology and limit the openness, cost-effectiveness, and usability of CDN solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a CDN based on SDN by adding a CDN application function on the SDN application layer, a CDN control function on the SDN control layer, and a CDN network entity resource on the SDN data forwarding layer, allowing for resource allocation, content routing table generation, and execution of CDN services using SDN protocols for load balancing and path policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional CDN architecture is used with dedicated hardware binding, then service stability is maintained, but device cost and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CDN system into distinct functional layers: infrastructure layer (hardware resources), service layer (CDN functions), and application layer. This segmentation allows independent deployment and management of each layer, reducing overall deployment complexity while maintaining service stability through clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal hardware platforms that can host multiple CDN service functions simultaneously. The infrastructure layer provides general-purpose computing, storage, and networking resources that can be dynamically allocated to different CDN services, reducing device cost through resource consolidation while maintaining service stability through virtualization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SDN technology is integrated into CDN, then openness and programmability improve, but control and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary between the infrastructure layer and service layer. The controller abstracts the complexity of SDN management by providing standardized APIs and automated control logic, enabling openness and programmability while hiding management complexity from end users and application developers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the SDN controller continuously monitors network state and automatically adjusts resource allocation and service configuration. This closed-loop control reduces management complexity by enabling self-healing and adaptive optimization without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If hardware-specific CDN solutions are implemented, then service performance is optimized, but cost-effectiveness and usability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtualization to create virtual copies of CDN services on通用 hardware platforms. Instead of requiring specialized hardware for each CDN service, the system creates virtual instances that can be deployed on standard servers, significantly improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining service performance through software-based optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of service parameters (such as caching strategies, content delivery policies, and resource allocation) without changing the underlying hardware configuration. This allows the system to optimize service performance for different scenarios while using the same hardware infrastructure, improving both cost-effectiveness and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A software-defined network-based method and system for implementing a content distribution network. An application function, control function, and network entity resource of a CDN are added respectively to an application layer, control layer, and data forwarding layer of an SDN. When a request for a CDN application is received, the SDN application layer generates resource requirement and service scheduling information based on the request, and transmits a reservation request for a resource required by the CDN application to an SDN control layer. The SDN control layer allocates a resource required by the CDN application to combine network load balancing and path policies and to generate a content routing table for data transmission, generating and transmitting L2 and L3 forwarding tables to the SDN data forwarding layer. When it receives content distribution and content delivery requests, the SDN data forwarding layer executes a CDN service-related operation based on the forwarding tables.