Virtual File Registry for Distributed Network Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) to medium-scale or small-scale facilities often results in increased network load due to concentrated communication, particularly near large-scale facilities, as large-capacity data files are transmitted over networks, leading to reduced communication speed in other facilities.

Innovation Solution

A file management system that constructs a virtual registry across nodes in a communication network, associating nodes and files, allowing nodes to acquire necessary files from other nodes rather than a central CDC, optimizing communication routes based on index values like distance and load, thereby dispersing communication and reducing network load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If files are stored in a centralized file server using traditional file sharing protocols, then file access and collaboration are enabled, but security vulnerabilities and lack of version control occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile access capabilityVSAvoidsecurity and version control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the file management system into distributed nodes across a network, where each node maintains local copies of files. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure in centralized systems and enables parallel version control through distributed ledger technology, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security/reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a distributed ledger as an intermediary layer that mediates file access and version control between users and the actual file storage. This intermediary ensures secure, transparent, and immutable record-keeping of all file operations, addressing the security and version control weaknesses of traditional centralized systems while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cloud storage services are used for file management, then accessibility and scalability are improved, but data security and privacy concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility and scalabilityVSAvoiddata security and privacy risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary cryptographic hashing and encryption of files before they are stored in the distributed network. This preliminary action ensures that even if data is accessed unauthorizedly, the actual file content remains protected, thus maintaining scalability and accessibility while mitigating security and privacy risks through pre-established security measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates cryptographic copies (hashes) of file data that are stored across the distributed network instead of the actual files. These copies serve as verifiable proofs of file integrity and existence without exposing the actual data, enabling scalable access while protecting privacy and security through the use of cryptographic representations rather than direct data storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If traditional file sharing systems are implemented, then ease of use is achieved, but lack of automated version control and audit trails occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of file sharingVSAvoidversion control and audit trail
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automated version control through the distributed ledger system, where each file operation automatically generates immutable records without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously tracks all changes, maintains version histories, and provides audit trails, thus preserving ease of use while eliminating information loss through automated, transparent tracking of all file operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4694059A1File management by virtual registry
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 RAKUTEN MOBILE INC
  • EP4694059A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4694059A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4694059A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A file management apparatus has one or more processors that execute a process including: managing management information in which a plurality of nodes belonging to a communication network and files held by the respective plurality of nodes are associated; receiving a file request; identifying a node that holds a file corresponding to the file request by referring to the management information; and instructing at least one identified node to transmit the file corresponding to the file request to a designated destination.