Topology Server Multi-Criteria Node Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network architectures for distributed applications do not effectively account for the topology of communication networks, leading to increased transmission delays, network congestion, and inefficient use of resources, particularly due to the limitations of the ALTO protocol which only allows information on a single characteristic to be determined at a time, resulting in excessive message exchange and infrequent updates.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides a server with a topological view of the network, enabling information on multiple characteristics to be accessed and used for node ordering based on associated weights, allowing for optimized node selection and reduced traffic overhead by using a mediation device to aggregate requests and respond with vector information from the ALTO server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple requests are sent to ALTO server to obtain information on different characteristics, then more comprehensive node information can be obtained, but message exchange traffic increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ALTO service requests into a single request by introducing a parameter that allows the client to specify multiple characteristics (geographical distance, number of hops, routing cost, etc.) that need to be retrieved simultaneously. The server responds with a structured data structure containing all requested characteristics in one response, eliminating the need for multiple separate requests and thereby reducing message exchange traffic while maintaining information completeness.
2Reliability
If ALTO server provides frequent updates on network topology, then more current network information is available, but server resources are overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the client indicates to the server whether it needs full updates or incremental updates. The server can provide full topology information updates when necessary and incremental updates when changes are minor, allowing the system to maintain information freshness while reducing server resource consumption during periods of stability.
3Productivity
If nodes are selected based on multiple characteristics, then optimal node selection is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the node selection process into two distinct phases: first, the client retrieves network topology information from the ALTO server for multiple characteristics; second, the client performs local processing to select optimal nodes based on weighted characteristics. This segmentation allows complex multi-characteristic optimization to be performed distributedly, reducing the complexity burden on any single system component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a parameter mechanism that allows clients to dynamically adjust the weights and combinations of characteristics based on their specific needs. The server returns raw data for multiple characteristics, and the client transforms this data into optimized node selections by applying different weighting schemes, enabling flexible adaptation without increasing server complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system providing access (CALTO, M) to an application distributed over a network of nodes (N1, N2, N3... N50) deployed on a communication architecture (A) by an application client (C) connected to the communication architecture. The invention comprises a server (S) having a topological view of the network within the communication architecture and means for providing information, at the request of the client, relating to a set of nodes of the network as a function of the topological view. According to the invention, the server can provide information relating to a plurality of characteristics pertaining to this set of nodes.