Web Server Caching to Reduce Queries and Response Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web server systems experience increased response times and back-end bandwidth usage due to frequent database queries, especially when handling multiple concurrent requests for web resources that take longer than a threshold time to process.
Innovation Solution
Implement caching techniques at the web server to store frequently accessed content, using cache keys based on request headers and timing, and dynamically manage cache content by updating or flushing based on request rates and age thresholds to minimize database queries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the web server retrieves information from databases for each request, then the information is always fresh and accurate, but the response time increases and back-end bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The web server performs preliminary actions by caching information from databases before requests arrive. When a request is received, the server checks the cache first and serves cached information if it is still valid (not expired), avoiding the need to query the database for every request. This preliminary caching action reduces response time while maintaining information freshness through expiration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cache as an intermediary layer between the web server and the database. This cache mediator stores copies of frequently accessed information and handles requests independently when possible, reducing the direct interaction frequency between the web server and database. The intermediary cache thus reduces back-end bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable information delivery.
2Productivity
If the web server caches information to reduce database queries, then response time improves and back-end bandwidth consumption reduces, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting cache expiration times based on the type of information and access patterns. Different information resources have different expiration periods assigned, allowing the system to balance between cache hit rate and information freshness. This parameter-based approach simplifies cache management compared to more complex algorithms while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The caching system operates with a degree of autonomy by automatically determining whether to serve cached information or fetch fresh data from the database based on simple expiration checks. The system self-manages the caching logic without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thus improving request handling efficiency while keeping the added complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If the web server handles multiple concurrent requests without caching, then all requests are processed individually ensuring accuracy, but the back-end bandwidth consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple concurrent requests by serving the same cached information to multiple clients simultaneously when the information is still within its expiration period. Instead of querying the database independently for each concurrent request, the web server combines the handling of identical or similar requests by serving from the shared cache, thus reducing back-end bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliability through proper cache validation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, caching techniques may be employed by a web server that receives various requests from remotely-located client devices, retrieves requested results from an on-site database server, and transmits the results back to the client devices. These caching techniques generally relate to caching retrieved results at the web server such that the web server may be able to directly provide client devices with results without having to retrieve them from the database server every time a request is received. Application of these techniques may improve response times and provide back-end bandwidth savings.