Metadata-Only Virtual File System for Remote Session Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote file management methodologies, such as Microsoft RDP, result in slow user experiences due to the need for significant information transfer over communication channels, even with high bandwidth and low latency storage, leading to slower file system information transfer and access, especially in lower bandwidth networks or high latency storage media.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a metadata-only virtual file system that transfers only file metadata during remote access sessions, reducing the amount of data transferred and enhancing user experience by creating a separate communications channel for file requests between client and remote servers, allowing for faster folder and file listing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional RDP methodology is used to access remote file systems, then file access functionality is achieved, but significant information transfer is required resulting in slow user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential metadata (file names, sizes, timestamps, paths) from the complete file system information and transfers this minimized dataset between client and server. By taking out only the necessary listing information rather than transferring complete file data, the system achieves fast folder/file listing while reducing communication overhead significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments file system access into two distinct operations: (1) transferring only metadata for folder/file listings, and (2) transferring actual file content only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to optimize each operation independently, achieving fast metadata transfer for browsing while maintaining full file access capability when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete file system information is transferred to enable local application access to remote files, then full functionality is achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the minimal necessary metadata for maintaining file system navigation capability (names, sizes, timestamps, paths) while excluding actual file content from the initial transfer. This allows local applications to browse and select files without transferring the bulk data, reducing bandwidth consumption while preserving full access flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary transfer of only metadata to enable file system exploration and selection before actual file content transfer occurs. This preliminary action with minimal data allows the user interface to function fully for browsing and selection, with the understanding that content transfer will only happen when a file is actually opened.
3Speed
If metadata-only virtual file system is implemented, then latency in listing folders and files is reduced, but file content transfer requirements remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments file system access into two independent operations: metadata transfer for listing (which is fast and low-latency) and file content transfer (which occurs only when needed). This segmentation allows the system to optimize metadata transfer for speed while maintaining the option to transfer complete file content when required, addressing both latency reduction and information completeness needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that includes establishing, by an application server, a remote access session with a client device, and creating, by a file system agent running on the application server, a metadata-only virtual file system associated with the remote access session, wherein the virtual file system only comprises file metadata associated with a plurality of files residing in a local file system of the client device. The method further includes responsive to receiving, by the virtual file system, a request to access content of a file referenced by the virtual file system, redirecting the request to a file system driver implementing at least a sub-tree of the local file system of the client device.