System and method for optimized storage and retrieval of data on a distributed computer network
AssigneeAkamai Technologies, Inc.
InventorsBrian Kenner, Arnold Karush
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for the optimized storage and retrieval of video data at distributed sites calls for the deployment of “Smart Mirror” sites throughout a network, each of which maintains a copy of certain data managed by the system. Every user is assigned to a specific delivery site based on an analysis of network performance with respect to each of the available delivery sites. Generalized network performance data is collected and stored to facilitate the selection of additional delivery sites and to ensure the preservation of improved performance in comparison to traditional networks.
Claims56
A system for selecting a delivery site, located on a distributed computer network, from which to a receive a file, the system comprising:
- a communications network;
- at least one content provider connected to the network, wherein the content provider stores at least one file;
- at least two delivery sites connected to the network, wherein each delivery site stores the same file as the content provider;
- a user terminal connected to the network;
- a network testing apparatus for testing the network and selecting a preferred delivery site from all delivery sites connected to the network;
- and
- a downloading apparatus for downloading the file from the preferred delivery site to the user terminal.
A method for determining a set of preferred delivery sites from a plurality of delivery sites on a network, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a list of delivery sites;
- performing at least one network test;
- processing results from the network test;
- and
- prioritizing the delivery sites according to the test results.
A method for downloading a file from a delivery site, comprising the steps of:
- identifying a desired file;
- determining whether the desired file is mirrored on one or more delivery sites;
- if the desired file is mirrored, identifying a preferred delivery site from a prioritized list of delivery sites;
- and
- downloading the desired file from the preferred delivery site.
A method for locating and maintaining a network of delivery sites for the optimized storage and retrieval of files, comprising the steps of:
- receiving network test results from a plurality of users;
- storing the test results in a database;
- processing the test results;
- determining network performance at various locations on the network;
- and
- notifying the users whenever a delivery site is added or removed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.