CN1444818A

CN1444818A - Client side address routing selecting analysis

Info

Publication number: CN1444818A
Application number: CN01813570A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 内森·F·拉希博斯基; 马克·R·汤普森
Original assignee: Aerocast com Inc
Current assignee: Aerocast com Inc
Priority date: 2000-06-01
Filing date: 2001-06-01
Publication date: 2003-09-24
Also published as: CA2410863A1; AU2001272931A1; AR028661A1; EP1287664A2; JP2004511117A; KR20030051431A; WO2001093538A3; WO2001093538A2

Abstract

A method for selecting a transfer node which is likely to provide sufficient transfer quality to a client computer. The method includes identifying a group of transfer nodes to the client computer along with at least one node outside of the group. The node outside the group along with one node in the group are analyzed from the client computer perspective. The analysis of the node in the group is attributed to all other nodes in the group. In this way, only one node in the group must be analyzed in order to select between any node in the group and the node outside of the group.

Description

Client side address routing selecting analysis

The application enjoys the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application applied on June 1st, 2000 number 60/209,007.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the content distribution, relate in particular to the service quality (QOS) of improvement when distributing content on the internet.

Background technology

For enough QOS are provided, require with the big file of the high-quality transmission of constant minimum-rate.Live video broadcasting is a good example with the constant big file that minimum-rate was transmitted.Unfortunately, broadcast this class the internet is a kind of bad network, this be because: the each forwarding in the repeatedly possible forwarding all has quality of data loss; The great majority transmission all has bandwidth constraints; Can not come flow-data with constant data transfer rate for a long time with the internet.

As mentioned above, transmit big file with constant data transfer rate and not loss of information be doubt.Therefore, require to overcome this difficult characteristic that the internet transmits.

Summary of the invention

One embodiment of the present invention provide a kind of method that is used to select possible node to come to provide for client computer enough delivery quality.This method is included as client computer and identifies first, second and the 3rd node.First and second nodes are incorporated in the group, and the 3rd node is outside this group.The first and the 3rd node is analyzed, and result that first node is analyzed is considered to Section Point.

With reference to other parts and accompanying drawing and claims of specification, can recognize other features and advantages of the present invention.Below, with reference to accompanying drawing in detail further feature and advantage of the present invention are described in detail, and the structure of various execution modes of the present invention and operation.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of content allocation system;

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of Active Directory a kind of execution mode partly of content allocation system;

Fig. 3 A is the block diagram of source server a kind of execution mode partly of content allocation system;

Fig. 3 B is a kind of block diagram of execution mode of the external source server section of content allocation system;

Fig. 4 A is the block diagram of content switch a kind of execution mode partly of content allocation system;

Fig. 4 B is the block diagram of the content switch another kind of execution mode partly of content allocation system;

Fig. 4 C is a kind of block diagram of execution mode that contains the content switch website of a plurality of content switch servers;

Fig. 5 is the block diagram of client computer a kind of execution mode partly of content allocation system;

Fig. 6 is the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of content allocation system;

Fig. 7 A is used to a kind of first of flow chart of execution mode that the user distributes the process of content;

Fig. 7 B is the second portion of the flow chart of Fig. 7 A;

Fig. 8 is the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of viewer's object broker;

Fig. 9 is the flow chart of viewer's object broker background application;

Figure 10 is the flow chart of viewer's object broker requested service;

Figure 11 is a kind of flow chart of execution mode that is used for the method for the content between tracing source server and the content switch;

Figure 12 is a kind of flow chart of execution mode that is used for information is sent to from content manager the process of server manager;

Figure 13 is used for by a kind of execution mode of content manager to the flow chart of the process of server manager publish information;

Figure 14 is the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of content switch, and it shows a plurality of providers that connect by different ports;

Figure 15 is the block diagram of the another kind of execution mode of content switch, and it shows a plurality of providers that connect by different addresses;

Figure 16 provides the classification of a kind of execution mode of the merchant and the grouping of content switch and represents; With

Figure 17 provides the classification of the another kind of execution mode of the merchant and the grouping of content switch and represents.

Embodiment

The present invention relates to improve from the service quality (QOS) when downloading content object the network of internet.Specifically, the present invention can reduce the amount of analysis that will carry out to greatest extent when determining to provide the content switch of enough QOS.

In these figure, similar portions and/or feature have identical label.In addition, the different piece of same type can be distinguished with a dash and one second label with the label back, and second label can be distinguished similar portions.If only use first label in specification, so, this description is applicable to the arbitrary similar portions with identical first label, and irrelevant with second label.

With reference to Fig. 1, there is shown the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of content allocation system 100.In this embodiment, content allocation system 100 comprises: an Active Directory 104, one or more source servers 108, one or more client computers 112, one or more content switch 116, one or more external source servers 118, internet 120 and one browse catalogue 124.Particular customer computer 112 is mutual with Active Directory 104, to select the downloaded contents object of being wanted.If to liking streaming video, it can be played in downloading process so, perhaps is being stored after a while.Content object can be the information of any kind that can download from network, such as, audio frequency, video or data.Request and first-selected information to content object from client computer 112 together are forwarded to suitable source server 108.Where source server 108 decision from downloading this object.For enough QOS are provided, arbitrary content switch 116 or or even source server 108 itself can both provide this object.

Active Directory 104 can be the interface towards the client computer 112 of chosen content object.Being used for software source server 108 and that be used for client computer 112 alternatively can download from Active Directory 104, so that start content allocation system 100.Inventory interface page or leaf or search interface page or leaf can be used for determining the content object wanted.These interfaces keep with manner, so as not to source server 108 on linking of content object be interrupted.When content switch 116 need be from the content object of source server 108, Active Directory 104 can provide a path of getting back to suitable source server 108.

Other execution modes can have a plurality of Active Directories.The user of system can divide in a plurality of Active Directories, so that distribute load.In addition, can use other Active Directories redundantly, make that if certain Active Directory off-line, other Active Directories can absorb this load so.

In some embodiments, source server 108 provides the source of content object, guides the user preferred source of content object into, and provides directory information to Active Directory 104.Source server 108 is introduced content object to system 100.Introduction relates to the source server manager to making the selection of its content object that can use Active Directory 104.The manager can be the people or the system of managed source server 108.The streaming feed-in of canned data or information before content object can comprise.According to the predetermined cycle, source server 108 provides the catalogue of the selected information of upgrading along with the content alteration on the source server 108.

The source server 108 definite preferred sources that client computer 112 will be guided into are so that download content object.When client computer was redirected to the preferred source of information, the position of the copy of the first-selection table of client computer 112, the load of content switch and content object all was that source server 108 will be considered.One of this source can be that source server 108 is own, or content switch 116.

The user guides client computer 112 to seek the content object of being wanted and downloads this object subsequently.Viewer's object broker software that utilization is downloaded from Active Directory 104, client computer 112 determine to transmit with enough QOS the content switch 116 of content.The process of determining to have the content switch 116 of enough QOS comprises, for example, receives the detecting information that produces the content switch of optimum from those when preparing preferred table probably.If want the method that customizes, the user can revise the preferred table of content switch 116 so.When source server 108 the decision content object the source time, utilize first-selected information that enough QOS are provided.

External source server 118 can be the additional source of the content object that can use for client computer 112.In one embodiment, external source server 118 is connected with content switch 116.

Content switch 116 is Caches of content object.Many such content switch 116 are assigned to the different local of internet 120, in order to the cache content object.Information can be based on following consideration by high-speed cache, such as, based on the demand of user to information, based on the business of wishing the user-friendly source server of its content 108, or the user's of the QOS that improves based on needs business.The grouping of content switch 116 can be in a cluster or is the demand service of 112 pairs of content objects of client computer individually.

When will the user of request content object does not find the fragment of content object of being asked or the content object of being asked from content switch 116, turn to the other guide switch to ask this content object the request of content switch 116.If other guide switch 116 is this content object not also, inquire about Active Directory 104 so, be the source server 108 in source of this content object to obtain, download this content object then therefrom.When content switch 116 when collecting this content object, client computer 112 receives available beginning fragment.Content object can be stored in several content switch 116 by burst, and the content switch 116 of asking then will be retrieved these fragments, so that compile the whole contents object again by the requirement of client computer 112.

In some embodiments, when will the user of request content object does not find the fragment of content object of being asked or the content object of being asked from content switch 116, can ask to retrieve the content object of being asked to outside source server 118 by content switch 116.

Browse catalogue 124 and be used for the inventory information that supplementary source server 108 reported.When for the user search content object, Active Directory 104 can show from the available content object of source server 108 and browse the other guide object that catalogue 124 is disclosed.By traveling through this web, browse catalogue 124 with these content objects and they ran into other information catalogues.For example, the keyword search of catalogue can be guided the user on system 100 unavailable content object any source server.When client computer 112 was downloaded content objects, Active Directory 104 one of can chosen content switch 116 comes this content object of high-speed cache.Browse catalogue 124 although only adopted one in this execution mode, but, other execution modes can adopt a plurality of catalogues of browsing that additional search results is provided.

Internet 120 has comprised some servers that link by router.Data are divided into some groupings, and these groupings are passed internet 120 by being forwarded to next router from a router, until arriving the destination.Each grouping all may be taked the different routes on the internet, and arrives the destination in the different moment.In addition, some be grouped in the process of passing internet 120 may be because of the bandwidth of arbitrary router saturated losing.Along with the increase of hop count between the source of content object and the destination, undue postpone and the possibility of packet loss also increases.

When content object passed path from the source to the destination by internet 120, the minimum bandwidth between any two routers in this path had been stipulated the maximum bandwidth in this path.Usually, 120 bandwidth to client computer have minimum bandwidth allocation from the internet.In other occasions, certain forwarding of other between the router has minimum bandwidth.Hop count with minimum between content switch 116 and client computer 112 can improve the possibility that enough QOS are arranged at content switch 116 high speed cache contents objects.

Download content object with the desired data transfer rate that is no more than client computer data transfer rate of 120 and just think enough QOS to the internet.The QOS of the maximum that the user can expect is decided by disposal ability and other factors of its network connection speed, its computer.Minimum QOS is subjective to be decided according to its desired quality in some limited field by the user.For example, the user with the connection of 400Kbps network and high-speed computer can select 28Kbps, 56Kbps or 128Kbps stream to be used for audio frequency and shear (chip), and in view of the above, the user selects 128Kbps stream.As long as the data transfer rate that client computer provides is in the 128-400Kbps scope, so, this stream just can have enough QOS.

Although above-mentioned execution mode mainly is used for internet 120 connection between various, yet other execution modes can use the dedicated link of 120 outsides, internet.In addition, with regard to high-speed cache, encryption and compression were provided, the content object of system 100 outsides also can have benefited from system 100.

With reference to Fig. 2, there is shown a kind of block diagram of execution mode of the Active Directory part 104 of content allocation system 100.Include in the Active Directory 104: a DDNS server (DNS) 204, a server manager 208, a catalogue page 212, a search page 216, download 224, one server databases 228 of 220, one customer data bases of page or leaf for one, a content switch database 232 and a routing database 234.Content allocation system 100 is mutual with Active Directory 104, so that directory information is provided and helps to be the user downloaded content object to the user.

The user of client computer 112 still be the manager of source server 108 all be the user concerning content allocation system 100.Software downloads to user and/or manager from downloading page or leaf.The software that is used for client computer 112 is that optionally it is used for improving QOS in some embodiments.The software that is used for source server 108 make Active Directory 104 can update system 100 available contents, and can guide client computer 112 into preferred source, so that receive this content.

Client computer 112 joins the territory of Active Directory 104, to seek the content object of being wanted.According to first-selection, the user can use catalogue page 212 or search page 216 to seek content object.Search page 216 can be traditional boolean search engine, is used to visit the catalogue of the content object that all source servers 108 are provided and from the information of browsing catalogue 124.Other execution modes can only show after failing to search content from source server 108 from the information of browsing catalogue 124, perhaps all omit from the information of browsing catalogue 124.The catalogue of the content object of all source servers 108 is stored in the server database 228.

Catalogue page 212 is pressed the possible content object of catalogue hierarchy layout of theme institute layout.For example, first page of some special topic that can show common care can be selected sports this user.In following one page as the next stage in this hierarchy, shown some sports, can select football this user.In the next stage again in this hierarchy, the user can select a holy repeatedly train of horses carrying goods of Ya Ge army, to check another page or leaf of associated content object link.

The manager with this content catalogue, makes catalogue page 212 can suitably present this content on source server 108.According to website, catalogue or file, the manager can be in the HTML SSI mark relevant with content object the catalogue of chosen content object.Be stored in the Active Directory after this classification obtains, make can be in different catalogues the rendering content object.In addition, the content object in the catalogue of catalogue page 212 can be described and arrange to moderator (moderator).For example, moderator can some content object of mark, so that show more highlightedly and/or the comment of additional content objects.

The information that server manager 208 is preserved about all the elements object on all client computers 112, all source servers 108, all external source servers 118, all the elements switch 116 and the source server 108.The information relevant with client computer 112 and source server 108 is stored in the customer data base 224.For each user relevant with client computer 112, its full name, login name, password, unique identifier, available token credit and other information all are stored in the customer data base 224.This database 224 is also preserved: the time that source server was verified for 108 last time, the Internet protocol of source server 108 (IP) address, the port that the content manager server moves thereon, the on-line state of source server 108, banner URL, the title of source server 108, the description of source server 108, use source server 108 required credit or token or other record keeping pattern, with being connected of being allowed simultaneously or viewer's number.

Information about the content object of all source servers 108 all is stored in the server database 228.For each content object, source server name, content object file name and path with inventory information, briefly describe and keyword is saved.During navigation directory and search page 212,216, querying server database 228 is so that provide content choice for the user.Whether for current information being kept in the server database 228, server manager 208 is mutual with source server 108 termly, with the up-to-date change of the catalogue that obtains content object and judge source server 108 off-line.If source server 108 off-lines, just being eliminated in the server database 228, and the state information in the updating user data storehouse 224 with these source server 108 corresponding projects.

In some embodiments, even the project in the server database 228 still keeps behind source server 108 off-lines.Its state is updated, and be out of use to reflect the content relevant with this source server, but its information still is kept in the server database 228.If state is updated to online, the user that just presents to again at the search content object of information so.In some cases, source server 108 can show that it is with off-line a period of time to Active Directory 104.Suppose of short durationly during this period of time, so, Active Directory can be retained in information in the server database 228, and does not present to the user.

System 100 can with the serviced management device 208 of list of content switch 116 be kept in the content switch database 232.In some embodiments, content switch database 232 can comprise the IP list address of all possible content switch 116 in the content allocation system 100.In addition, content switch database 232 can also comprise some content switch fields relevant with each content switch 116.For example, the field relevant with each content switch 116 can comprise content switch identifier, content switch website, content switch provider, content switch title, content switch position, content switch state, icon or other any information that want or necessary in the content switch database 232.

Content switch identifier and content switch website identify the unique content switch 116 at certain content switch site place jointly.Content switch provider is the designator of the content switch side of being responsible for, such as XYZ company.Content name is a domain name, and the content switch position can be the geographical coordinate of content switch 116.In a routine execution mode, content switch database 232 comprises content switch identifier, content switch website, content switch IP address, content switch provider, content switch title, content switch position and the icon of each content switch 116 in the content switch database 232.

Usually, content switch database 232 can be divided by the area, or divides by several different methods (comprise the QOS criterion or the reservation business criterion of improvement, but be not limited thereto).In addition, content switch database 232 can also comprise the tabulation of any useful or necessary information of Active Directory 104 optionally, source server 108 or other.

Content switch 116 in the system 100 provides state to server manager 208 termly.When content switch 116 is available maybe can not be when using, its mode of operation is reported to server manager 208, and is recorded in the content switch database 232.In some embodiments, content switch database 232 can comprise some additivity information, as content switch 116 loads, capacity, utilance and health status.

Routing data storehouse 234 comprises external source server 118 lists.In some embodiments, routing data storehouse 234 comprises sign, state and the organizational information relevant with external source server 118.Identification information can comprise the IP address and the domain name of external source server 118.State information can comprise about the availability of external source server, load or other states.Organizational information can comprise optionally external source server 118 lists.In one embodiment, routing data storehouse 234 comprises the IP address and the domain name of each external source server 118.In some embodiments, the method for the external source server 118 in the sign routing data storehouse 234 is a kind of mechanism that external source server 118 and content allocation system 100 are interrelated.

Each external source server 118 in the routing data storehouse all has the user name list, and these user names are allowed to utilize content switch 116 to visit information about external source server 118.User name is unique for the user of client computer 112.Client computer is selected the list of the external source server 118 of route by the content exchange function for it and is provided for this client computer 112.Client computer 112 is used to from the information in routing data storehouse the user be turned to content switch 116 again to the request of outside source server 118.After content switch 116 had been filled content object from external source server 118, bandwidth was unloaded to content switch 116 from external source server 118.The user can pay the expense of this enhanced services to the manager of the owner of this content switch and/or source server.

Dynamic-dns 204 provides the source server name for each IP address of source server 108.The source server name has identified the source server 108 on the internet 120 uniquely.This information is stored in the customer data base 224.Content switch 116 does not know to provide for this content switch 116 the IP address of the source server 108 of content object, but knows the source server title.When content switch 116 thought that the fragment of the content object that can't obtain from other guide switch 116 or content object is filled into its Cache, inquiry dynamic-dns 204 was to determine the being IP address or the domain name of source server 108 in source of this content object.If from dynamic DNS204, retrieve domain name, from DNS, retrieve so and this domain name corresponding IP address.

With reference to Fig. 3 A, there is shown a kind of block diagram of execution mode of the source server part 108 of content allocation system 100.Source server 108 is managed by the manager, and a source of content object is provided for content allocation system 100.QOS is provided by source server 108, thereby guides client computer into can effectively transmit required content object content switch 116.Include in the source server 108: 312, one local content catalogues of 308, one content managers of 304, one content servers of a content source 316, one location of content databases 320, content exchange machine information 324 and a health-and-status check 330.

Content offers source server 108 by content source 304.Content source 304 can be live web video camera (1ive web cam), video or audio frequency feed-in, data object, data flow, video tape or audiotape, light or disk or other arbitrary content transfer mechanisms.Content object sends content server 308 to by content source 304, so that may distribute to system 100.

In each content switch 116, for those content objects of wherein being preserved or the fragment of those content objects have been preserved time and date information.This time and date information makes can distinguish the content object with identical sources server name, pathname and filename.Other execution modes can utilize any unique word (such as, check and, CRC or hash code) come the unique identification content object.

All the elements object of source server 308 all is stored in the content server 308.The manager can select a content object or several groups of content objects that will announce to system 100, and the other guide object that will not be suitable for system 100 is stayed in the content server 308.Some content objects are prudent files, and other content objects content that to be for example live web video cameras produced stream.The software of operation content server 308 can combine with the software of content manager 312.

Content manager 312 is announced required content object to system 100, and guides the user into preferential content switch 116, so that download the content object relevant with content manager 312.Under gerentocratic guiding, content manager 312 utilizes filename, catalogue or drive volume to select some content objects or several groups of content objects, so that announce to Active Directory 104.Some content object in the content server 308 can be excluded outside announcing, like this, system 100 just can not use these content objects.

The selected content object of announcing to system is stored in the local content catalogue 316.It is up-to-date that content manager 312 keeps the project in the local content catalogue 316, because may not use or be updated with the corresponding object of those projects.For each project, content object file name and path with inventory information, briefly describe and keyword is saved.In case be linked into system 100, local content catalogue 316 is just sent to Active Directory 104 by content manager 312, to enter server database 228.The change of local content catalogue 316 is regularly sent to server database 228, to keep directory information up-to-date as far as possible.Renewal can regularly be carried out, such as, every two minutes and/or when in the local content catalogue, changing.

Content manager 312 is also known the position of all fragments of the content object relevant with content manager 312.In case be linked into system 100, content manager 312 is got in touch with regard to state matters and each content switch 116.Content switch 116 is termly to relevant content manager 312 its content object of report or internal object fragments.Utilize this information, content manager 312 just can be guided client computer 112 into may have the content switch 116 of downloading used part or all of required content object.

The positional information of the content object that all these content switch 108 are reported is kept in the location of content database 320 by content manager.By query contents location database 320, content manager 312 can determine to contain the content switch 116 of the fragment of content object or content object.In the routing procedure of content source, the appearance of this content object in certain content switch 112 can influence the Route Selection decision at client computer 112.

Content switch information-storing device 324 has been preserved the information about all activity description switches 116.In case start source server 108, the content switch database 232 in the Active Directory 104 just is downloaded in the content switch information-storing device 324.After startup, with all the elements switch 116 listed in the query contents exchanger information memory 324, to obtain state information as content exchange machine information 324.This state information comprise employed link simultaneously number, links total number, bandwidth availability ratio and Cache turnover rate (churn rate) when allowing.The Cache turnover rate is meant that hash remains in the time quantum in the Cache, the load of its expression Cache.For example, for the content switch 116 busier with respect to the memory space in the Cache, data are brought down stocks (flush) usually apace from Cache.Yet some execution mode may have anelasticity (sticky) content object, and this content object all still rests on a period of time in the content switch 116 regardless of operating position.

Content manager 312 intelligently will need the client computer 112 of content object to guide the preferred source of this object into.The first-selected information that client computer 112 is provided is used to determine the source of 112 preferred content objects of client computer.This information is used for guiding client computer 112 into preferred content switch 116 with the load of the current location of content object and possible content switch, so that download this content object.

In some embodiments, content manager 312 can be controlled the visit to content object.When client computer 112 attempts to download the content object relevant with content manager 312,, can show a dialog boxes for login so if the manager has protected this content object.The user can input user name and/or password in dialog boxes for login, so that client computer 112 is redirected to the source of this content object.User name and/or password equally also are that Active Directory 104 is required.Before client computer 112 was redirected to this source, the log-on message the accepted list of being stored before in the first reference source server 108 was checked user name and/or password or log-on message.Utilize this method, can control to whole source server 108 or to the visit of the volume on the source server 108, catalogue or contents of object.

Some execution mode allows source server 108 or Active Directory 104 that content object is preloaded onto in the content switch 116.Request to content object can be monitored to determine demand.Available demand information, bill information and/or other items that need consider judge which content object is preloaded onto in the content switch 116.Source server 108 or Active Directory 104 content object in can request content switch 116 is so that be preloaded onto the there with them.These content objects can be requested termly, are loaded in the content switch to keep them, and like this, they can not load because of stagnation.

Health-and-status check 330 can be that hardware also can be software application, and it can provide the special domestic animal of operation of correlated source server 108.In one embodiment, health-and-status check 330 provides the single indication of source server 108 states.This single indication is the normalized value between 0 and 1, is used to represent a kind of comprehensive of source server characteristic.For example, it can comprise the request number that cpu load, cpu temperature, while linking number and/or source server are just sending.In another embodiment, health-and-status check 330 can be monitored the characteristic of content switch 116, operation on another content switch 116 or source server 108 simultaneously.

Below with reference to Fig. 3 B, there is shown a kind of block diagram of execution mode of the external source server section 118 of content allocation system 100.Be outside external source server 118 and source server 108 different, content manager software is not installed in the external source server 118.Contain a content server 308 and a content source 304 in the external source server 118.

The manager of external source server 118 determines one or more client computers 112 that are authorized to by content switch 116 received content objects.Routing data storehouse 234 is upgraded by the manager, can pass through content switch 116 accessed content objects to allow single client computer 112.Web page or leaf on the Active Directory provides an interface, so that will be input to about the information of client computer 112 in the routing data storehouse 234.Other execution modes can be operated the interface between external source server 118 and the routing data storehouse 234 automatically.

Client computer 112 is with the renewal partial download and the storage in routing data storehouse 234.The follow-up trial of visit external source server 118 can be redirected to content switch 116, so that be this request service.Guiding again like this makes external source server 118 client computer 112 can be redirected to content switch 116, and need not the help of content manager software.

External source server 118 can specify one or more content switch 116 to transmit the content object of external source server 118.Routing data storehouse 234 can be redirected to one or more this content switch 116 with the client computer of subscribing.If client computer is allowed to use two or more this content switch 116, so, on these two or more content switch, can carry out the client routing selecting analysis, make and can carry out grade classification the relative QOS between them.

The content object of external source server 118 can be preloaded onto and be assigned to provide in the content switch of these content objects.Stand-by period when shortening request content object for the first time, Active Directory 104 can be browsed external source server 118, to determine operational content object in this server 118.These available content objects can be added to be browsed in the catalogue 124.In case learn available content objects, Active Directory 104 is each content object of request from relevant content switch just, each content object can be loaded in the related content switch so that make.Like this, content object just can be preloaded onto in the relevant content switch.

With reference to Fig. 4 A, there is shown a kind of block diagram of execution mode of the content switch part 116 of content allocation system 100.Content switch 116 content object that high-speed cache client computer 112 is asked under the control of content manager 312.Contain a tracking system 402 and a content node 406 in the content switch 116.Tracking system comprises a content tracing device 404, health-and-status check 428, state information 420,416 and source server databases 424 of local content catalogue, and content node 406 comprises a content controller 408 and a content memorizer 412.

Health-and-status check 428 can be that hardware also can be software application, and it can provide the special domestic animal of operation of related content switch 116.In one embodiment, health-and-status check 428 provides the single indication of content switch 116 states.This single indication is the normalized value between 0 and 1, is used to represent a kind of comprehensive of content switch characteristic, comprises cpu load for example, cpu temperature, the request number that just sending of linking number and content switch simultaneously.In another embodiment, health-and-status check 428 can be monitored the characteristic of content switch 116, simultaneously in another content switch 116, source server 108 or position operation.

Content memorizer 412 has been preserved the content object that can download in the client computer 112 from content switch 116.Provide the title of source server 108 of content object and routing information and filename to be stored in the content memorizer 412 with content object.By internet 120, client computer 112 is connected to content memorizer 412, and downloads content object file or data flow.Along with the fresh content object is added in the content memorizer 412, the raw content object will be eliminated.Accessed time of the useful life of content object (age) and content object last time is relevant.Some content object in the memory 412 does not have useful life, and like this, these content objects will keep one period scheduled time in memory 412.Source server 108 can arrange content switch 112 with content object one period scheduled time of storage.

When client computer 112 was asked a content object from content memorizer 412, content object may current not installing in the content memorizer 412.Content memorizer 412 is notified to content controller 408 with this uncompleted request to content object.Content controller 408 is found in other guide switch 116 or from the content server 308 of initiating this content object and is lost content object or its fragment that lacks.Content controller 408 can install in the content memorizer 412 losing the content object that lacks, and like this, client computer 112 just can be downloaded this information.

When mistake lacked content object in the content memorizer 412, whether content controller 408 was at first checked other guide switch 116, can obtain to judge this object.If content switch 116 does not all have required content object, so, to content server 308 these content objects of inquiry of this information of initiation.Content memorizer 412 does not comprise the IP address of the content server 308 that starts, therefore, and to dynamic-dns 204 these information of inquiry.Given source server name, dynamic-dns 204 can provide the IP address, and like this, content controller 408 just can be asked this content object from suitable content server 308.

Content tracing device 404 in system's 100 report content memories 412 current project and the state information of content switch 116.Local content catalogue 416 records source server name, path and the filename of the fragment of each content object or content object in the content memorizer 412.Along with adding new projects in the content memorizer 412 and from wherein eliminating former project, local content catalogue 416 is updated.When content manager 312 is connected with system 100, all the elements tracker 404 is sent an inquiry, be stored in these content memorizers 412 to judge which content object fragment.When content memorizer 412 is changed, the baseline that initial query provides content tracing device 404 to upgrade.These changes can directly be sent to meaningful each content manager 312 that stores in the content memorizer 412.In this course, utilize dynamic-dns 204 to determine source server name corresponding IP address with each content object.

Content tracing device 404 also provides the state information of content switch 116 to content manager 312.State information is sent to each this content manager 312 by broadcasting or multicast mode by (for example, every 5 minutes and/or when change takes place) termly.State information can comprise with current use in content switch the time link number, links total number, bandwidth availability ratio and Cache turnover rate when allowing.In other embodiments, state information can also place a center, and like this, content manager 312 is guided client computer 112 where into when downloading content object determining, can inquire about in this center.

Content tracing device 404 is preserved source server database 424, so that the source server 108 of activity in the tracking system 100.After the system of being linked into, all source servers 108 all identify himself to content tracker 404.Content tracing device 404 records source server name and IP address in the source server database 424.Dynamic-dns inquired about can provide the IP of given source server name the address.If source server 108 with its imminent unavailability informing content tracker 404, if perhaps content tracing device 404 can't be related to specific source server, will be eliminated the project of this source server so from source server database 424.In addition, also can from content memorizer 412, eliminate, and local content catalogue 416 is updated with these source server 108 content corresponding.In some embodiments, this content object and content object fragment are not eliminated, and just are coupled with the delete flag when needing memory space.

In some embodiments, system 100 can command content controller 408 obtains some predetermined content objects and it is retained in the content memorizer 412.The content object that expection will be used can be pre-installed, to satisfy the demands.By the click situation from search and those content objects of catalogue page 212,216 is monitored, can determine the demand of certain content object.For example, can before broadcasting by Web TV, lose no time the content object relevant with this personality is loaded in the content memorizer 412 about personality's biography program.In addition, the user can also subscribe and a kind of content object is loaded into business in some content switch 116.For example, predetermined internet program can be loaded, so that can conform to by the TV broadcasting that internet 120 is watched with the user, to replace TV broadcasting.This content can obtain without delay for subscribing user.

With reference to Fig. 4 B, there is shown the block diagram of another kind of execution mode of the content switch part 116 of content allocation system 100.This execution mode comprises a plurality of content nodes 406, and these nodes are connected with single tracking server 402.Content bus 428 makes content node 406 can check that each other guide memory 412 loses the content object that lacks to seek.Content bus 428 can also be connected with the other guide node in other positions.Content bus 428 can be also can not be partly to advance by internet 120.

Below with reference to Fig. 4 C, there is shown the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of the content switch website 432 that contains a plurality of content switch servers 116.Even content switch website 432 comprises a plurality of content switch servers 116, it might as well like single content switch 116 for system.The load of content switch website 432 is assigned in the middle of these content switch servers 116.Switch 436 (such as 4 bit switches) can be distributed to content object request these content switch 116, and spool (spool) response is aggregated in the internet 120.

Below with reference to Fig. 5, there is shown a kind of block diagram of execution mode of the client computer part 112 of content allocation system 100.Client computer 112 is communicated by letter with internet 120, so that send content to user.Contain in the client computer 112: 504, one content processing programs 508 of viewer's object broker, 512, one network interfaces 516 of first-selected information and master server Route Selection 520.

The software that content processing program 508 is normally such is used for explaining or handling from the internet 120 downloaded contents objects.The example of content processing program 508 comprises web browser, file transfer protocol (FTP) (FTP) software, examines visit (gopher) software, news (NNTP), mailer, streaming video player, non-stream media player and other software.Usually the Internet traffic that directly is sent to the internet from content processing program 508 is redirected to viewer's object broker 504.

Viewer's object broker 504 is as the intermediary of internet 120 with content processing program 508.After viewer's object broker 504 was installed, it can determine its general position with respect to the known point on the internet 120.Provide the content switch 116 of the reasonable candidate of enough QOS to test to conduct, to determine required hop count and the stand-by period between each content switch 116 and the viewer's object broker 504.The weighting of the QOS factor (such as, hop count and the bandwidth that is reached) be recorded as first-selected information 512, and be sent to content manager 312 by the HTTP title as metadata.

Other execution modes can be not only to transmit metadata by the HTTP title with the data channel of any kind.For example, metadata can be propagated by private port, IP address, URL, title or other logic channels.

First-selected information 512 is results of the network analysis that carries out from client computer 112 angles.When the request content object, first-selected information 512 is sent to content object manager 312, and content object manager 312 is again that client computer 112 is selected a suitable content switch 116.(for example every one hour) utilizes automatic test mode to upgrade or upgrades first-selected information 512 by the user with manual type termly.Former result is considered in follow-up test, so that consider preferred content switch effectively.For example, analyze for the first time and can check 100 content switch, and follow-up analysis can be got rid of the content switch of poor-performing, like this, only analyzes 50.

First-selected information 512 comprises content switch 116 and the list of the relevant QOS value that analysis obtains according to client network.In some embodiments, can there be many paths to lead to external source server 118.These many paths can be distinguished with port, IP address, identifier server (ID) and/or other mechanism.The client network analysis can be used for determining the relevant QOS value of every path with the source of leading to external source server 118 or any content object with many paths.

After the user of client computer 112 has selected content object, the source server name is offered viewer's object broker 504.Viewer's object broker 504 utilizes the source server name to inquire about dynamic-dns 204, to obtain the IP address of source server 108.In case learn the IP address, content processing program 508 is redirected to the content manager 312 of required content object.Content manager 312 transmits first-selected information, the feasible route that can choose suitable content switch 116.In this execution mode, first-selected information 512 comprises preferred 10 content switch, but the user can adjust.

In some embodiments, for routing information, viewer's object broker 504 can be relevant with specific HTTP and and protocol-independent.Therefore, routing information can transmit according to HTTP, but actual routing information and protocol-independent.But, those of skill in the art can understand that viewer's object broker 504 can also be configured to work with other procotols as required.For example, viewer's object broker 504 can also be configured to wait according to FTP, NNTP, RTP, RTSP, SMTP or SHOUT and operate.

Client computer 112 comprises master server Route Selection 520 databases.This master server Route Selection 520 can comprise the information relevant with the addressable external source server of client computer 112 118.In one embodiment, master server Route Selection 520 is the parts in routing data storehouse 234 contained in the Active Directory 104.

Client computer 112 comprises a network interface 516, and this interface is connected viewer's object broker 504 with internet 120.The general example of network interface 516 comprises analog modem, DSL modulator-demodulator, ISDN, cable modem, satellite modem, cellular modem etc.

In this execution mode, client computer is relevant with the domestic consumer.In other embodiments, client computer can be put digital movie or provide content object for the network user of company, hotel client or apartment for arenas.

With reference to Fig. 6, there is shown the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of content allocation system 600.This Figure illustrates the data flow between the data block, and do not have to show transmission by internet 120.But, should be appreciated that in other embodiments and can use internet 120.In addition, this figure has also done some simplification slightly to those pieces among Fig. 2-5, and for reduced graph 6, does not comprise external source server 118 among the figure and browse catalogue 124.

Network interface 516 is client computer 112 connections of 120 to the internet.Client computer 112 is connected with search page 212,216 with catalogue, makes the user can select the downloaded contents object of wanting.When having selected content object, utilize dynamic-dns 204 that client computer 112 is redirected to suitable source server 108 from Active Directory 104.First-selected information 512 is transmitted to content manager 312, to help the source of its chosen content object.According to the selection that content manager 312 is done, from one of content switch 116 or from content server 308, download content object.

Active Directory 104 carries out with other modules in the system 600 alternately.Client computer 112 visit catalogues and search page 212,216 are with the chosen content object.Content tracing device 404 and content manager 312 provide state and inventory information respectively to server manager 208.Account information offers server manager 208 by the manager of source server 108 with by the user of client computer 112, to preserve customer data base 224.Redirecting by dynamic-dns 204 of 108 IP address offers viewer's object broker 504, content tracing device 404 and content controller 408 from the source server name to source server.

Source server 108 is communicated by letter with server manager 208, client computer 112, content tracing device 404, content memorizer 412 and content controller 408.Local content catalogue 316 offers server manager 208 from content manager 312, so that keep server database 228 to have current content information.First-selected information 512 offers content manager 312 from client computer 112, so that simplify the selection in the source of content object.Content tracing device 404 is mutual with content manager 312, to understand in the content switch 116 having stored what content object.Content object is read from content server 308 by content memorizer 412 or client computer 112.

Content switch 116 also with system 600 in other modules mutual.State information is provided for Active Directory 104 and/or content manager 312.Dynamic-dns is used for seeking the IP address of the source server 108 that contains content object by content controller 408 and content tracing device 404.When content memorizer 412 needed object, selected content switch can be got in touch with the other guide switch.If the other guide switch is this content object not also, content controller 408 is asked this object from content server 308, so that be sent to selected content memorizer 412.

Below with reference to Fig. 7 A-B, there is shown and be used to the user to distribute a kind of flow chart of execution mode of the process of content.Before described process, user and manager download and install the used software of client computer 112 and source server 108 respectively.The manager selects in content server will be to the content of system's 600 announcements.In order to determine first-selected information 512, whether viewer's object broker 504 contiguous content switch 116 of inquiry automatically has enough QOS.

Described process is from step 704, and in this step, the user guides web browsing content handling procedure 508 into the catalogue or the search page 212,216 of Active Directory 104.In this execution mode, in step 708, the user utilizes boolean queries to come search engine on the query search page or leaf 216 to seek content object.In step 712, search engine can hit with acquisition by search server database 228, also can search for and browse catalogue 124.Perhaps, the user can navigation directory page or leaf 212 to seek the content object of being wanted.

In step 716, search or catalogue page 212,216 demonstrate the link of each content object that the user can select.Each link all comprises source server name 108, port, path and the title of content object.In step 720, after providing available option, the user can select one of to link accordingly with wanting content object.Viewer's object broker 504 inquiry dynamic-dns 204 are to determine the IP address of the source server name in the link.In case learn the IP address, content processing program just is redirected to path and the filename in the IP address that retrieves and the link from dynamic DNS204.

In step 724, in case client computer 112 is connected with content manager 312, first-selected information 512 just is forwarded to content manager 312.In step 728 and 732,312 pairs of content location databases 320 of content manager, first-selected information 512 and state information are analyzed, with the source of definite content object that client computer 112 will be redirected to.

In step 736, judge that this source is content switch 116 or content server 308.If content manager 312 judges that content server 308 can provide enough QOS or higher QOS, can select it so.In some embodiments, if the content switch 116 of the QOS that does not have to provide enough, so could only be with content server 308 as the source.If selected content server 308, in step 740, source server 108 provides content object for client computer 112 so.

If content manager 312 chosen content switches 116 hold content object request, so content processing program 508 is redirected to selected content memorizer 412, processing procedure proceeds in the step 744 of Fig. 7 B then.In step 744, content processing program 508 is the content object in the hyperlink request from content

memorizer 412.In step

748 and 752, if the whole contents object all in content memorizer 412, downloads to client computer with object so from content memorizer 412.

Perhaps, lack, in content memorizer 412, compile the whole copy of content object so if arbitrary fragment of content object is lost.The formation of whole contents object is transparent to the

user.In step

756 and 760, content controller 408 inquiry other guide switches 116 have the scarce fragment of mistake of this content object to judge which content switch.In content memorizer 412, content object is compiled from the beginning to the end again, like this, can obtain the beginning part as early as possible, so that client computer 112 is downloaded.

In step 764, retrieve from each content switch 116 with iterative manner and lose to lack fragment, up to the whole contents object all in content memorizer 412.If the other guide switch 116 not mistake of this content object lacks fragment, in step 768, query source server 108 lacks fragment to seek to lose so.Dynamic-dns 204 is inquired about, determined the IP address of the source server name of this content object.In step 772, dynamic-dns 204 is guided content controller 408 into the source server 108 with this content object.In step 776, from the content server 308 of this source server 108, download this and lose scarce fragment.Processing procedure turns back to step 748, lacks fragment with the mistake of retrieving any other.

The process of this search fragment is proceeded with iterative manner, all is copied in the content memorizer 412 up to the scarce fragment of lose.Lose to lack fragment although this execution mode is retrieved these successively, yet other execution modes can judge that these lose the position that lacks fragment, and concurrently, they are retrieved by any order or by the inferior ordered pair that finds.

Below with reference to Fig. 8, there is shown the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of viewer's object broker 504.Viewer's object broker 504 comprises following function: a path evaluation device 850, a weighted function 852, Presentation Function or routine 854,858, one decompressing functions 860 of 856, one standard web of look-ahead logic function access function, a decipher function 862,866, one safety functions 864 of an e-business capability are with a main functionality 868 that is connected with various other functions in viewer's object broker 504.Should be appreciated that the above-mentioned listed possible function that is contained in viewer's object broker 504 is illustrative, those of skill in the art can recognize can also other functions relevant with viewer's object broker 504.

All pass through the agency that it flows because viewer's object broker 504 is content objects of all viewer's request, therefore can realize look-ahead logic function 856.In one embodiment, look-ahead logic function 856 can expect that user's the next one is browsed or move, and obtains relevant browsing information be stored in the client computer 112 before user's actual request.Keep the information obtain in advance, up to user's actual request this information.If look-ahead logic function 856 is expected wrong user's the next one is browsed, the data that obtain in advance of deletion so.For example, look-ahead logic function 856 can obtain the generic access page or leaf (as described in reference Fig. 2) under the hierarchy of catalogue page 212 in advance.By obtaining information in advance, look-ahead logic function 856 can shorten access latency.

In some embodiments, decompressing function 860 and decipher function 862 are provided.These functions 860,862 make and can the information that receive from the source server on the internet 108, content switch 116, outside former server 118 or other any servers be decompressed and decipher.

For arbitrary user request, viewer's object broker 504 is according to decompressing 860 and the availability of deciphering 862 functions, can consult server on utilizing internet 120 and carry out the compression that will adopt in the content object transport process and the mode of encryption.Therefore, no matter when surfing on internet 120 of user, viewer's object broker 504 can be told any associated server compression and cipher mode that it is supported.This does not also require that associated server will have special software, but, under the situation of identical compression, encryption and safety function that associated server support and viewer's object broker 504 are supported, can improve QOS.Should be appreciated that and to adopt many communication mechanisms to decompress and decipher.For example, can adopt FTP, NNTP, RTP, RTSP or SMTP.

In one embodiment, deciphering reconciliation compression negotiation utilizes HTTP to realize.Specifically, realize this negotiation by the expanded HTTP title.

In addition, in some embodiments, for the user, can forbid one of decompressing function 860 and decipher function 862, perhaps the two is all forbidden.If the user is forbidden each function 860,862, so, viewer's object broker 504 will not consult to use disable function.

In some embodiments, viewer's object broker 504 comprises safety function 864.Safety function 864 can allow or denied access suitably the time.Specifically, safety function 864 provides control, so that only be commissioned system authorization, content object could be deciphered.For example, only be connected with client computer 112 and safety function 864 has been reported under the situation of condition of contact by viewer's object broker 504 at the hardware device of specific hardware locking-type, the system of being commissioned just can authorize and accept and/or data decryption.

In some embodiments, viewer's object broker 504 comprises e-business capability 866.E-business capability 866 can be combined closely with resident e-commerce engine on the internet 120.Utilize e-business capability 866, can be the user a kind of mechanism of buying content object is provided.For example, the token credit of being stored in the customer data base 224 can be used as the credit of using source server 108, so that download content object.

Viewer's object broker 504 also comprises standard web access function 858 in addition, and this function provides being positioned at the visit of the internet domain outside the content allocation system 100.In one embodiment, when viewer's object broker 504 received the user to the content object that comes from the territory outside the content allocation system 100 from content processing program 508 and asks, standard web access function 858 judged whether this content object was kept in the client computer 112 in the past.If the content object of being asked had been preserved in the past, so, return the content object of being preserved, to satisfy user's request by standard web access function 858.If the content object of being asked was not preserved in the past, so, transmit user's request by standard web access function 858, the retrieval of content object just looks like that content processing program 508 has directly been visited internet 120 then.

Below, the flow chart of contrast viewer's object broker background application 900 is as shown in Figure 9 described path evaluation device 850, weighted function 852 and Presentation Function or routine 854.Background application 900 utilizes various viewer's object broker 504 functions to determine to provide for client computer 112 content switch that meets the requirements 116 of enough QOS.The content switch 116 that meets the requirements is stored in the memory as first-selected information 512, is sent to content object manager 312 subsequently.

With reference to Fig. 9, start at 980 o'clock and install 982, and operation shows routine 854.Installing 982 can comprise: the graphic memory in request and the initialization client computer 112, initialization agency and operation show routine 854.In addition, installation 982 can also comprise any process of initialization graphical display or agency.

Installing after 982, carrying out information request and receive 984.During information request and reception 984, the content switch database 232 in the Active Directory 104 is downloaded to client computer 112.As mentioned above, content switch database 232 can be divided by the area, or divides by several different methods (comprise the QOS criterion or the reservation business criterion of improvement, but be not limited thereto).Therefore, in some embodiments, information request and receive 984 and make to retrieve and only contain geographical going up and the content switch database 232 of the content switch 116 that client computer 112 is nearest.For example, institute's content retrieved switch database 232 can only comprise the content switch 116 that is positioned at the North America.In other execution modes, information request and receive 984 and make can retrieve only to contain and support particular subscription professional or owing to the content switch database 232 of the content switch 116 of specific provider.Perhaps, content switch database 232 can be confined to owing to the ad hoc the Internet service provider or support specific protocol or even provide the content switch of content object with language-specific.In also having some execution modes, information request and reception 984 make can retrieve the content switch database 232 that comprises all possible content switch 116.

In some embodiments, information request and reception 984 also comprise certain part of asking and receiving the routing data storehouse 234 of the routing information that contains external source server 118.Institute's receiving unit in routing data storehouse 234 is stored in the memory of client computer 112, as master server Route Selection 520.

In other usages, can be used for producing a demonstration for the user by the information request and 984 information that provided of reception.For example, in some embodiments, can be used as a figured part that offers the user by Presentation Function or routine 854 as the location coordinate that a part provided and the icon information of content switch database 232.This diagrammatic representation can illustrate to the user can be in other the local resulting contents on the content allocation system 100 or on internet 120.In addition, diagrammatic representation can also illustrate the various paths from client computer 112 to a plurality of content switch 116.In a kind of particular embodiment, the physical location of content switch 116 and source server 108 overlaps on the world map that is shown to the user.

Except using the content switch databases 232, can be used to execution route QOS assessment 986 from the information of content switch database 232 by Presentation Function 854.Specifically, the QOS in each content switch 116 of appointment or the path between the node can be determined and be stored in the memory of client computer 112 in client computer 112 and the content switch database 232.

Should be appreciated that by information request and a kind of method that is used for determining possible content switch 116 that received 984 received content switches, 116 list exemplary illustrations.In other execution modes, can obtain possible content object source list, such as content switch 116, external source server 118 and source server 108, or the list that utilizes viewer's object broker 504 to be edited.This table can be based on the understanding to resulting viewer's object broker 504 during the inside of content allocation system 100 or outside early stage content object transmit.

In one embodiment, path QOS assessment 986 is carried out in the path relevant with listed all the elements switch 116 in the content switch database 232.At first, analyze the path relevant with listed first content switch 116 in the content switch database 232.Then, in step 988, judge whether also provide another content switch 116 in the content switch database 232.If provide another content switch 116, so, assess the path of this content switch 116.This process is carried out always, up to content switch database 232 in listed all the elements switch 116 all carried out path QOS assessment 986.Should be appreciated that path QOS assessment can carry out at any content object source or transmission node, and may not be confined to assess content switch 116 and source server 108.It is also understood that transmission node can be a content switch 116, or other can store and transmit the server of content object.It is also understood that the term path has comprised Route Selection as assessing relevant used situation with path QOS.

In other embodiments, only assess a subclass of content switch listed in the content switch database 232 116.A subclass only assessing the content switch 116 in the content switch database 232 can provide more effective path QOS assessment 986.Knowing that thereby some content switch 116 can not provide under the situation that enough QOS are unworthy assessing, and can reach the efficient of this raising.Therefore, for example, be positioned at the North America and realize that content switch outside the North America can not provide under the situation of enough QOS, only carries out path QOS assessment 986 to the content switch 116 that is positioned at the North America at client computer 112.

Perhaps, realizing that dissimilar content switch 116 may provide under the situation of similar business, can carry out path QOS assessment 986 based on website.Specifically, a relevant content switch 116 of represented each content switch website 432 in assessment and the content switch database 232.In view of the above, can judge which content switch website 432 may provide enough QOS.Subsequently, analyze the content switch 116 relevant one by one with the content switch website 432 that is determined the QOS that may provide enough.The content switch 116 that the content switch website that like this, just can not assess and QOS can not be provided 432 is relevant.

In another embodiment, only carry out path QOS assessment 986 at the content switch 116 of supporting specific protocol.Perhaps, a content switch 116 at certain content switch website 432 place (at least one content switch 116 of these website 432 places is supported specific protocols) carries out path QOS assessment 986.

In addition, in some embodiments, carry out a path QOS assessment 986 at 116 of certain content switches.Therefore, have at certain content switch 116 under the situation of a plurality of IP address, port or title, only carry out path QOS assessment 986 at IP address, port or a title.This has got rid of the redundancy assessment during the path QOS assessment 986.Yet, should be appreciated that and realizing under the situation that has different QOS, also can carry out path QOS assessment 986 at a plurality of IP address, port or the title of same content switch 116.

Which subclass of the content switch 116 in the chosen content switch database 232 is assessed, the criterion that can be provided based on client computer 112 and based on Active Directory 104, content switch 116, source server 108 and/or client computer experience that the user provided.

In one embodiment, path QOS assessment 986 can fully utilize following network analysis method and finish, these methods comprise (but being not limited thereto): traceroute, by the bandwidth test that file transmits, server health-and-status check, server load/resource inspection, (ping) agreement ping, the path difference, net circle's gateway protocol (BGP) routing information and port responses time.

Traceroute comprises any such analysis: return and be grouped in the route of being taked between certain content switch 116 and the client computer 112.Usually, traceroute will return the IP address of the number of times of the forwarding of walking, the forwarding of walking and walk the required time between client computer 112 and content switch 116.

The bandwidth test that transmits by file comprises any such analysis: the bulk information of carrying out between content switch 116 and the client computer 112 transmits.During transmitting in batch, draw the various indexes of performance, comprise finishing and transmit the required time (but being not limited thereto) in batch.Usually, the data randomness that is transmitted between content switch 116 and the client computer 112 is very big.This randomness of data has reduced the influence to any compression that occurs between client computer 112 and the content switch 116.

Packet InterNet Groper comprises any such analysis: the response that client computer 112 is waited for from content switch 116 to certain content switch 116 transmission information and client computer 112.Usually, diminish agreement (promptly do not guarantee respond agreement) by UDP or any other and carry out Packet InterNet Groper.Whether Packet InterNet Groper can be used to the inspection content switch and can use.In addition, receive and to reply the required time and can be used as the indication of QOS.

Server health-and-status check and server load/resource inspection can comprise any such analysis: determine the various heuristics about health status, load and the available resources of content switch 116, source server 108 or other transmission nodes.Usually, query contents switch 116, to determine various operating characteristics, comprise (but being not limited thereto): average and peak C PU load, cpu temperature, for solve the number of pages that the high-speed cache mistake is transmitted between hard drives and RAM, content switch 116 sends the speed of read and write operation to hard drives, content switch 116 current request numbers of serving, visit the average user number of this content switch, the while linking number, the I/O speed of content switch 116, the average content object length of from content switch 116, being asked, the capacity of the local memory (comprise RAM and hard drives memory) relevant, contained average content object length in the local memory with content switch 116, contained content object number in the local memory, content object remains in the average time in the local memory, can not find occurrence rate and other any indication and/or state informations of makeing mistakes of the situation of content object in local memory.

Utilize the health-and-status check 330,428 relevant, can determine above-mentioned heuristic with certain content switch 116 or source server 108.In one embodiment, health-and-status check 330,428 is respectively the software application on content switch 116 or the source server 108.When viewer's object broker 504 was inquired about, health-and-status check 330,428 can provide: cpu load, cpu temperature, linking number and content switch 116 or source server 108 current request numbers of serving simultaneously.In some embodiments, viewer's object broker 504 is by HTTP query contents object exchange machine 116, with retrieval server health-and-status check heuristic.Yet, should be noted that those of skill in the art can know many mechanism that are used for access server health status heuristic, comprise FTP, NNTP, RTP, RTSP, SHOUT, SMTP (but being not limited thereto), or being connected by specified port and this node.

In other embodiments, the state request of 504 pairs of health-and-status checks of viewer's object broker 330,428 has caused a single state sign that returned.This a single state sign is between 0 and 1, and 1 represents undesirable feature and the fine characteristic of 0 expression.Good and undesirable feature is determined as the ability or the possibility of content object Cache according to content switch 116 or other transmission nodes.Therefore, in one embodiment, value is that 0.9 sign is represented content object this locality to be kept at the 116 1 elongated segment times of content switch.Value is that 0.2 sign represents to preserve the one elongated segment time of content object.

In order to determine this a single state sign, can monitor and comprehensive many machine characteristics.In one embodiment, the a single state sign has comprehensively comprised following properties: average cpu load, the capacity of the local memory relevant with content switch 116, contained average content object length in the local memory, content object remains in the average time in the local memory.These independent characteristics comprehensively can be used to evaluate the ability of content switch as the VPN Content cache device.In order comprehensively to be unique identification, at first each characteristic all is normalized into the predetermined percentage that uses level with these characteristics.Normalization realizes like this, i.e. 100% the express possibility best characteristic value that reaches and the poorest characteristic value of 0 expression.Then, normalized value be multiply by the predetermined percentage of total Status Flag, product value is added up to form a unique identification between 1 and 0.Should be appreciated that also can utilize characteristic some other gather and form unique identification.For example, the I/O speed of can be the comprehensively average cpu load of a kind of execution mode, cpu temperature, the average user number that is connected with the source and content switch forms this unique identification.

An example that forms unique identification is provided below, comprising: peaked 90% cpu load, be normalized to 20% average content object length, the contained capacity that is normalized to 30% local memory in the local memory, be normalized to average content object length contained in 80% the local memory and be normalized to 50% content object and remain in average time in the local memory.These normalizing values can be added up to like this, and are identical so that each characteristic plays a part in unique identification.So each normalized value multiply by 20% and is added up to, to form this unique identification.Therefore, this unique identification is 54% promptly 0.54 in this example.Should be appreciated that this example and execution mode are only just illustrative, can also adopt some other method that a plurality of characteristics are comprehensively become unique identification.

The BGP routing information comprises any information that the result returned as net circle's gateway protocol analysis.Usually, this information is relevant with the path topology structure, and it comprises that autonomous system (AS) path attribute and AS transmit next time, but is not limited thereto.

The path difference comprises any such analysis: be identified for connecting bandwidth between the alternative path of content switch 116 and client computer 112 or the difference of stand-by period.

The port responses time comprises any such analysis: the indication of port responses is provided.Usually, this test provides the relevant information of response time with content switch 116 ports.For example, the port time can comprise any such analysis: determining to transmit length is the zero required time of message.Usually, the result that report distance of zero mark degree transmits is as the switch message count of per second.The switch number of per second can be used to infer the stand-by period of content switch 116.

Should be appreciated that any said method can comprehensively be used to provide the QOS in a path that is used to connect content switch 116 and client computer 112 or the indicated value of transmission quality.In addition, any said method can combine with other network analysis methods provides QOS assessment 986.For example, in one embodiment, can fully utilize Packet InterNet Groper, traceroute and health-and-status check QOS is provided assessment.

In another embodiment, all said methods comprehensively are used for determining QOS.In order to determine QOS, every kind of method all is performed, and the QOS factor of every kind of method all is returned.Then, from the QOS factor of the whole bag of tricks by normalization and added up to, to form the single-qos factor in each path of being analyzed.Can carry out identical weighting to the whole bag of tricks and come these QOS factors of normalization.

For example, in one embodiment, following normalization and total have appearred, wherein: (1) traceroute returns 9 forwardings, (2) bandwidth test that transmits by file returns 300ms, and (3) server health-and-status check returns the healthy value 1 of expression, and 65% average cpu load is returned in (4) server load/resource inspection, (5) the BGP routing information returns and transmits for 4 times and (6) port responses time is returned 45ms.In addition, again each return value and predetermined maximum are separately compared, these predetermined maximums for example are: (1) traceroute is 30 forwardings, (2) bandwidth test that transmits by file is 500ms, (3) the server health-and-status check is 1, (4) server load/resource inspection is 100%, and (5) BGP routing information is that 6 forwardings and (6) port responses time are 100ms.

For normalization and total, each return value all will be divided by they predetermined maximums separately.Therefore, traceroute obtains 0.33, and the bandwidth test that transmits by file obtains 0.6, and the server health-and-status check obtains 1, and server load/resource inspection obtains 0.65, and the BGP routing information obtains 0.75, and the port responses time obtains 0.45.Then, with obtaining 3.78 after all these normalized values totals, as total QOS factor.Then, utilize this QOS factor to come more different content switch 116 again.

In other embodiments, the value of returning from every kind of method was carried out different weightings earlier before adding up to.Weight coefficient can be provided by the user, to influence the QOS factor of being returned.This execution mode can be used to describe from the value of last example, in last example, the normalized value that returns from the whole bag of tricks is: (1) traceroute is 0.33, (2) bandwidth test that transmits by file is 0.6, (3) the server health-and-status check is 1, (4) server load/resource inspection is 0.65, (5) BGP routing information be 0.75 and (6) port responses time be 0.45.In order to go on to say, adopt following weight coefficient: traceroute is 1, and the bandwidth test that transmits by file is 3, and the server health-and-status check is 1, and server load/resource inspection is 4, and the BGP routing information is 1, and the port responses time is 3.Each normalized value be multiply by its weight coefficient separately just can be obtained: (1) traceroute is 0.33, (2) bandwidth test that transmits by file is 1.8, (3) the server health-and-status check is 1, (4) server load/resource inspection is 2.6, (5) the BGP routing information be 0.75 and (6) port responses time be 1.35.Then, with obtaining 7.83 after all these normalized values totals, as total QOS factor.Then, utilize this QOS factor to come more different content switch 116 again.

Except weight coefficient was provided, the user can also artificial selection content switch 116 preset order, and single acceptable content switch 116 perhaps only is provided, these two one of can replace the automatic analysis of path QOS assessment 986 effectively.Therefore, the user can obtain any required result by one of following method: the QOS factor that produces content switch 116 fully automatically, the artificial weight path QOS assessment 986 QOS factor to obtain being returned at content switch 116 perhaps replaces and analyzes automatically and required content switch 116 lists are provided.

In some embodiments, can utilize a subclass of said method to carry out again limited content switch 116 being carried out meticulous QOS analysis after rough QOS analyzes, finish multilayer path QOS assessment 986.This multi-layer analysis has been owing to avoided that the content switch that enough QOS can not be provided is carried out meticulous QOS and analyzed, thereby improved the efficient of path QOS assessment 986.Correspondingly, in a routine execution mode, use Packet InterNet Groper and traceroute all the elements switch contained in the content switch database 232 116 is carried out rough QOS analysis.Then, utilize the server health-and-status check to analyze, to providing the content switch 116 of the predetermined number (preferably less than 25) of enough QOS to assess according to rough QOS as meticulous QOS.The result that meticulous QOS analyzes has determined those content switch that enough QOS are provided 116.Should be appreciated that can use each method any comprehensively carries out meticulous or rough QOS and analyze.In addition, it is also understood that meticulous or rough QOS analysis itself can comprise multi-layer analysis.

After possible path being carried out path QOS assessment 986 and the QOS factor in each assessment path being stored in the memory of client computer 112, the content switch 116 differentiation orders of priority 990 that these are relevant with the assessment path.Content switch 116 is distinguished order of priority according to the determined QOS factor in the path QOS assessment 986.According to the QOS factor, the content switch of predetermined number can be selected, ordering and be saved as first-selected information 512.In one embodiment, first-selected information 512 comprises preferred 10 content switch 116.

As mentioned above, in the other execution mode, can be to may not being that path QOS assessment is carried out in any content object source of content switch 116 and source server 108.In this case, first-selected information 512 can comprise content object source, source server 108 and content switch 116.

First-selected information 512 comprises content switch 116 lists that enough QOS are provided, and wherein this QOS is determined by the network analysis that carries out from client computer 112 angles.Analyze QOS from client computer 112 angles, can improve QOS.

In some embodiments, first-selected information 512 is used for forming a subclass of path QOS assessment 986 content switch that will analyze 116.For example, can test in same website content switch 116 that exist or relevant with same provider (in contained content switch 116) as first-selected information 512.Therefore, in subsequent path QOS assessment 986, only reappraise the content switch of enough QOS 116 most possibly is provided.Perhaps, path QOS assessment 986 can be analyzed content switch 116 contained in the first-selected information 512 and be added to other guide switch 116 in the content switch database 232 since forming first-selected information 512 last time.In these methods, can utilize the experience of viewer's object broker 504 to realize more effective path QOS assessment 986.Should be appreciated that above-mentioned execution mode is illustrative, also have many algorithms to can be used to chosen content switch 116, to improve the efficient of path QOS assessment 986.For example, the operation in advance of path QOS assessment 986 can be returned the very poor result of certain content switch 116, and this content switch will never be analyzed, but predetermined being rejected.In some embodiments, this predetermined refusal can manually be finished by the user.

The result that can show 992 path QOS assessment 986 for the user.In some embodiments, display result can be lured that the user remains on the desktop of client computer 112 into and move viewer's object broker 504 application programs always, and be helped the user in the selection of change weighted function 852 with Artificial Control content switch 116.In one embodiment, Presentation Function 854 especially also provides an area map, and it has illustrated some forwardings between client computer 112 and the selected content switch 116 and the statistics that some describe operating characteristic.

Except upgrading the first-selected information 512 starting at 980 o'clock, can also ask 994 or upgrade first-selected information 512 according to the time interval 996 according to the user.In one embodiment, upgrade first-selected information 512 with the time interval 996 that was set to 3600 seconds.

Except the described background application of reference Fig. 9, viewer's object broker 504 can also provide foregrounding, comprise (but being not limited thereto): serve user's request, and serve the ecommerce request from the content object in content allocation system 100, external source server 118 and the internet 120.Specifically, viewer's object broker 504 can be handled as the front in conjunction with e-business capability 866 described ecommerce requests.

The flow chart of a kind of execution mode of reference viewer's object broker requested service 1000 is as shown in Figure 10 described the visit to the content object in content allocation system 100, external source server 118 and the internet 120.With reference to Figure 10, the user that viewer's object broker 504 receives a content object asks 1010.In one embodiment, visit content allocation system 100 by content processing program 508.Specifically, content processing program 508 sends request to content object according to user command.Request to content object asks 1010 to be sent to viewer's object broker 504 as the user.

Ask 1010 in case receive the user, can the 504 judgement content allocation system visits 1020 of viewer's object broker satisfy received user asks 1010.In one embodiment, can judge by the user being asked the 100 relevant source position tabulations of 1010 source position and known and content allocation system compare.If the user asks 1010 source position to meet certain source position relevant with content allocation system 100, so, content allocation system visit 1020 can be satisfied this request.Correspondingly, carrying out content allocation system business 1030 satisfies the user and asks 1010.

In some embodiments, viewer's object broker 504 can be carried out content allocation system business 1030 by first-selected information 512 is sent to source server 108.Utilize first-selected information 512, source server 108 is selected and can be asked 1010 content switch 116 or the source servers 108 that enough QOS are provided for the user.So source server 108 is sent to viewer's object broker 504 with the address of selected content switch 116 or source server 108.In one embodiment, source server 108 is dynamically write HTML, so that the address of selected content switch 116 or source server 108 is provided to viewer's object broker 504.Then, viewer's object broker 504 is consulted compatible compression, encryption and fail safe with selected content switch 116 or source server 108.In another embodiment, first-selected information 512 chosen content switch 116 in person, the content object of being asked to provide can be provided viewer's object broker 504.

Viewer's object broker 504 asks 1010 by asking content object in selected content switch 116 or the source server 108 to satisfy the user.When the content object of being asked was received, viewer's object broker 504 provided decompression, deciphering and fail safe according to the form of being consulted.Therefore, by the information relevant with specific client computer 112 is sent to source server 108, source server 108 just can select to provide the content switch 116 of enough QOS.Select by analyzing from client computer 112 angles, can realize that meticulousr QOS analyzes, thereby obtain better QOS with content switch.

Ask 1010 if content allocation system visit 1020 can't be satisfied the user, so, next viewer's object broker 504 just judges that can external source server access 1040 satisfy this user and ask 1010.In one embodiment, can compare by the domain name of the external source server 118 of the user being asked provided in domain name indicated in 1010 and the master server Route Selection 520 and judge.If the user asks domain name indicated in 1010 to meet the domain name of certain external source server 118, so, can satisfy the user from this external source server 118 that meets by execution external source server service 1050 and ask 1010.Correspondingly, carrying out external source server service 1050 satisfies the user and asks 1010.In other embodiments, the user asks 1010 can comprise directory name, machine name, IP address or the one other identification symbol that can compare with the respective identifier of contained external source server in the master server Route Selection 520.

In one embodiment, viewer's object broker 504 is finished external source server service 1050 by visiting known content switch 116, so that the content object that comes from the external source server 118 that is met is provided.Therefore, viewer's object broker 504 asks 1010 to be redirected to this content switch 116 from the external source server 118 that is met the user.This guides external source server 118 that is met and content processing program 508 again all is transparent.In some embodiments, viewer's object broker 504 is consulted compatible compression, encryption and fail safe with selected content switch 116.And satisfying the user according to the compression of being consulted, encryption and fail safe, content switch 116 asks 1010.Do not have at content switch 116 under the situation of the content object of being asked, content switch 116 is asked required content object from the external source server 118 that is met.No matter which kind of situation, the content object of being asked all offers client computer 112 by content switch 116.When the content object of being asked was received, viewer's object broker 504 provided decompression, deciphering and fail safe according to the form of being consulted.Therefore, by coming service users request 1010, safeguard that the content object provider of external source server 118 need not bear the task of distributing content object by content switch 116.

In another embodiment, viewer's object broker 504 can be carried out external source server service 1050 by first-selected information 512 is sent to source server 108.Utilize first-selected information 512, source server 108 is selected and can be asked 1010 content switch 116 or the source servers 108 that enough QOS are provided for the user.Source server 108 is sent to viewer's object broker 504 with the address of selected content switch 116 or source server 108.

So viewer's object broker 504 satisfies the user by request content object from selected content switch 116 or source server 108 asks 1010.Selected content switch 116 or source server 108 are asked required content object from the external source server 118 that is met, ask 1010 by providing the content object of being asked to satisfy the user to viewer's object broker 504 subsequently.Therefore, by the business that is applicable to client computer 112 is provided, can obtain better QOS.In addition, by coming service users request 1010, safeguard that the content object provider of external source server 118 need not bear the task of distributing content object by content switch 116.

Ask 1010 if external source server access 1040 or content allocation system visit 1020 all can not be satisfied the user, so the user is asked 1010 to be sent to internet 120.In one embodiment, handle by 1060 users that are sent to internet 120 as reference standard web access function 858 described modes and ask 1010.

With reference to Figure 11, there is shown a kind of execution mode of the method that is used for the content between tracing source server 108 and the content switch 116.Although this figure has mainly illustrated mutual between single source server and the single content switch, yet, should be appreciated that each source server can get in touch with many content switch, and each content switch can be got in touch also with many source servers.The system 600 that makes alternately between all source servers 108 and all the elements switch 116 can the keeping track of content object segmentation.

This process is in off-line or can not user mode from content switch and source server.In step 1104, content switch 116 is just available after beginning operation.When for the first time available, content switch 116 is idle, and waits for client computer 112 request contents.When having satisfied the request of client computer 112, content memorizer 412 makes itself fill the fragment of some content objects or content object.

In step 1108, the source server 108 of this execution mode begins operation and available.Source server 108 is announced its local content catalogue to Active Directory 104, and all the elements tracker in system 600 404 identifies himself.The content switch database 232 of the content switch 116 of operation can use for inquiry, makes that content manager 312 is learnt the address of content tracing device 404.

Each content switch 116 is all preserved the source server database 424 of the source server 108 of getting in touch with it.Before source server 108 off-lines, source server 108 is attempted getting in touch with all the elements switch 116, so that circulate a notice of the change of these states to these content switch 116.The source server 108 of off-line will be eliminated from source server database 424.As long as it is source server 108 fails the content switch 116 of transmit status is responded, that this source server 108 just is considered to off-line and from source server database 424, eliminate.

Whenever content switch 116 preparation off-lines, it just attempts 600 circulars to system.Source server 108 with fragment of some content objects or content object obtains circular, and like this, content exchange machine information 324 in each source server 108 and location of content database 320 can keep up-to-date.In addition, Active Directory 104 also obtains circular, and therefore, content switch database 232 will accurately reflect the content switch 116 that system 600 can use.

In step 1112, each content tracing device 404 of being got in touch in the step 1108 all comes response contents manager 312 with state information 420 with any content object relevant with content manager 312.Because content manager 312 has been just online, therefore, any content object from the content server 308 relevant with content manager 312 can not be arranged in content memorizer 412.Content manager 312 will be preserved as content exchange machine information 324 from the state information 420 of each content switch 116 that responds.In different execution modes, the state information of being reported 420 can have also and can not have content inventory information 416.When selecting client computer 112 to the route in the source of content object, this content exchange machine information 324 is used for judging the load of the content switch of being considered.Each content tracing device 400 utilizes state information to upgrade all activity description managers 312 termly, makes that content exchange machine information 324 is up-to-date.When in another embodiment, content tracing device 404 can great changes occur in state rather than the state information 420 of renewal is provided termly.

In step 1116, content manager 312 is guided client computer 112 into content switch 116 to satisfy the request to content object.Before guiding client computer 112 again, content manager 312 is determined the preferred source that the certain content switch is this content object.If be not the whole contents object all in preferred content switch 116, so, in step 1120, the content object fragment that lacks is lost in content controller 408 retrievals.In case the beginning part from the content object of content switch 116 is available, client computer 112 begins to download this content object.

Content tracing device 404 termly or the content object and/or the content object fragment of being stored in all the elements manager 312 report content memories 412 when occur changing.Local content catalogue 416 has been stored the content object preserved in the content memorizer 412 and/or the list of content object fragment.In step 1124, the content object that may replenish in step 1120 is returned to the source server 108 that this content object is provided at first.Have each source server 108 about the information of content memorizer 412 and all receive report from content tracing device 404.

After a while, in step 1128, the more information in the local content catalogue 416 is sent to content manager 312 from content tracing device 404.In step 1132, the expiration of timer will start this report, and but, other execution modes can also be reported this information when occurring changing.According to the report of all the elements switch 116, content manager 312 is stored in positional information in the location of content database 320.Content manager is to inquiry in future of content location database 320, makes to know that current this content manager 312 that maintains of which content switch 116 wants any content object that client computer 112 is redirected to.

When the report of state information 420 and/or content inventory information 416 had been sent to certain content manager 312, content tracing device 404 judged whether this content manager 312 is accepting this information.If content manager is received information, so, processing procedure turns back to step 1116, asks another content object at this.

If content manager 312 is off-line for example, the information of content tracing device 404 reports is not accepted so.After attempting by the contact of several times failure possibly, content tracing device 404 can conclude that just content manager 312 can not use.In step 1136, detect the content manager 312 that does not have response.By local content inventory information 416 is inquired about, can determine any content object relevant with these out of use content managers 312.Eliminate these associated content object so that be fresh content object slot milling from content memorizer 412, perhaps, these content objects are coupled with the delete flag when needing memory space.Should be noted that in said process the content tracing device can be inquired about dynamic-dns 204, so that convert the source server name to the IP address.

Below with reference to Figure 12, there is shown a kind of flow chart of execution mode that is used for information is sent to from content manager the process of server manager.Shown in flowchart text mutual between Active Directory 104 and the single source server 108.Yet, should be appreciated that Active Directory 104 can be in a similar fashion and the multiple source server interaction, so that expand in server database 228 electronic directory with these source servers catalogues.The user utilizes search page or catalogue page example to come querying server database 228.

This process is from step 1204, and in this step, content manager 312 provides state information to server manager 208.In step 1208, server manager 208 receiving status informations also are stored in the customer data base 224.Customer data base 224 has been preserved the information about all source servers 108 of current active in the system 600.

The frequency of the information of each source server 108 repayment local content catalogue 316 of server manager 208 controls.In step 1210, control the frequency of each source server report local content catalogue 316 by the server manager 208 that the repayment time interval is provided to content manager 312.Load or utilance to Active Directory 104 are analyzed, adoptable amount of bandwidth during with the information in definite update service device database 228.Determine situation according to this load, select the repayment time interval and send it to content manager 312.In one embodiment, repayment was set as two minutes in the time interval usually, if but this time interval can extend during the Active Directory overload.

Each source server 108 is preserved the selected local content catalogue 316 that is used for to all the elements object of system's 600 announcements of manager.Content manager 312 is got in touch with the report local content with server manager 208 for the first time and was made a catalogue 316 o'clock, and all items of this catalogue 316 all will be sent out.In subsequent contact, only to report the change part of local content catalogue 316, to save bandwidth.In the other execution mode, each contact can be reported whole local content catalogue.In step 1216, server manager 208 receives the change part of local content catalogue 316 or local content catalogue, and with this information stores in server database 228.Even during the repayment time interval, local content catalogue 316 does not change, and source server 108 is also got in touch with server manager 208, makes to know that this source server 108 is still available.

Whether server manager 208 detects has any source server 108 may be because this source server 108 off-lines or otherwise can not use and stop to get in touch with it.In step 1220, server manager 208 is provided with a timeout value for this source server 108.In the present embodiment, this timeout value can be made as three times of the repayment time interval, but also can adopt other multiples.Can be timeout value a counter is set, be used for determining when counter reaches timeout value.

If counter has reached timeout value in step 1224, so, in step 1236, Active Directory 104 is eliminated all references of these source servers 108, perhaps quotes the delete flag that adds when needing the space for these.Suppose that source server 108 does not begin contact before the timeout value if counter reaches, this source server 108 can not use so.From server database 228, eliminate with and the local content catalogue 316 corresponding projects of this source server 108, and from customer data base 224 project of this source server 108 of elimination.By from database 224,228, eliminating these projects, all can't see and the linking of the content object relevant with this source server 108 with the Any user that catalogue or search page 212,216 connect.In addition, can after reaching timeout value, counter be coupled with delete flag with local content catalogue 316 corresponding projects.When the other guide object needed the space, the content object that is added with delete flag can be rewritten.

If as determining in the step 1228 that source server 108 is got in touch, Active Directory 104 knows that source server 108 works well so.This contact has caused storing the resetting of counter of timeout value.Processing procedure turns back to step 1210, and at this, update service device database 228 is also determined the new repayment time interval.This process constantly circulates, and is storing up to source server 108 to fail before the counter expiration of timeout value till the report.

With reference to Figure 13, there is shown and be used for by a kind of execution mode of content manager 312 to the flow chart of the process of server manager 208 publish information.The manager of source server downloads software from the download page or leaf 220 of Active Directory 104.This software is installed in the source server 108.Here, content object is available on content server 308 with static form or liquid form.Described process is from step 1304, and in this step, source server begins operation, with preparing content object and install software.

In 1308, the manager finishes the artificial selection process, with the chosen content object.In this course, can a subclass be used for system 600 with the content object in the content server 308.Selected content object is fed in the local content catalogue 316.

When getting in touch with Active Directory 104 for the first time, in step 1308 and 1312, content manager 312 will be sent to server manager 208 about the information of source server 108, so that enter customer data base 224.Get in touch with Active Directory 104 for the first time if this is a content manager 312, so, the manager may provide some information that is transmitted.The information that the manager replenished is saved and is provided with the subsequent contact with customer data base 224.

In step 1316, content manager 312 is got in touch with server manager 208, to announce the information in the local content catalogue 316.In step 1320, server manager 208 obtains local content catalogue 316 and all form a project for each content object in server database 228.Present to user's the catalogue of search content and search page in expression at 212,216 o'clock, can use these contents of server database 228.

The frequency of all its local content catalogues 316 of source server 108 reports of server manager 208 controls.If server manager 208 overload, so, the repayment duration that gives content manager 312 can extend.Server manager 208 can also be repaid when detecting the variation of local content catalogue 316 by request content manager 312.In the present embodiment, the repayment duration is to be blanking time two minutes, and is provided for content manager 312 in step 1324.

Before server manager 208 repayment, content manager 312 is waited for expiration blanking time in step 1328.In case timer expiration, the just content object in the scans content server 308 is to judge whether that tackling local content catalogue 316 changes.In case done change in step 1332, processing procedure just turns back to step 1316, at this, announces local content catalogue 316 to server database 228 once more.When getting in touch for the first time, in step 1316, can provide whole local content catalogue, and in subsequent contact, only so that the changing unit lastest imformation of assigning to be provided, to reduce the length of information.

Below with reference to Figure 14, there is shown the block diagram of a kind of execution mode of content switch 116, it shows a plurality of providers that connect by different port one 408.Article three, data path 1404 is separated by the Internet protocol port one 408 of content switch 116 in logic.These port ones 408 are used for multichannel and separate these logical data paths 1408, although they may share common pipeline physically.Utilize a plurality of port ones 408, can regulate the traffic carrying capacity relevant with these port ones 408.

For example, content switch 116 can be used to provide the content object of external source server 118.The manager of external source server may wish traffic carrying capacity is distributed to three bandwidth providers.Port A1408-A can be associated with the A of provider, and port B1408-B can be associated with the B of provider, and port C1408-C can be associated with the C of provider.Content switch can be monitored the activity of arbitrary these ports, and reports this information to provider, makes provider to make out the bill suitably for the external source server 118 that has carried bandwidth.

The request of client computer 112 can be assigned to port one 408 according to external source server 118 determined schemes, so that distribute bandwidth between provider.In one embodiment, each client computer 112 passes through three port ones 408 circularly according to weighted function.In another embodiment, each client computer is assigned with and uses different port ones 408.In also having a kind of execution mode, determine that the QOS of each port one 408 will influence the selection of the port one 408 that client computer 112 is used.Utilize these technology, the client computer 112 in the system 600 can influence the amount of bandwidth of buying from each provider.

With reference to Figure 15, there is shown the block diagram of the another kind of execution mode of content switch 116, it shows a plurality of providers that connect by different address 1508.In the present embodiment, three IP addresses 1508 are used for distinguishing mutually in logic three data paths 1504.Although logical data path is mainly estimated to be used for to separate bandwidth by provider, yet logical data path can also be separated subclass of safe class, content object or the like.

Below with reference to Figure 16, a kind of classification of execution mode that there is shown the grouping of provider 1604 and content switch 116 is represented.In the present embodiment, two bandwidth providers 1604 are arranged.Each provider 1604 also has a sharing site 1608-2 except separately website 1608-1,1608-3.Website 1608 is physical locations that one or more servers 1612 are housed, and corresponding with the single content switch 116 that may contain a plurality of servers 1612.

Each server 1612-3 among the sharing site 1608-2 has separately IP address 1616-3, the 1616-4 of each provider 1604 of sharing this website 1608-2.These two IP address 1616-3,1616-4 make the traffic carrying capacity that can logical separation be sent to given sharing site 1602-2.Logical separation makes and can belong to each provider 1604 to content object request and the bandwidth of serving for these requests, although all traffic carrying capacitys may be shared same physical pipeline sometimes.Some execution mode can keep the traffic carrying capacity relevant with each provider to separate physically by IP address 1616 is filtered.In this case, can between provider 1604, distribute bandwidth.

Below with reference to Figure 17, the classification of another kind of execution mode that there is shown the grouping of provider and content switch is represented.In the present embodiment, port one 716 is used for distinguishing the logical data path of server 1612.In serving the website 1608-2 of a plurality of providers 1604, port one 1716-3 is associated with the 11604-1 of provider, and port 21716-4 is associated with the 21604-2 of provider.In some embodiments, each provider can have a series of ports that are associated with it rather than the single general-purpose port on the Servers-all.

According to the above, advantages more of the present invention are conspicuous.For example, by the content switch number that restriction is analyzed, processing resource and time have been saved.Realize that this saving can the analysis of negative influence content switch, this is because just can not provide the content switch of enough QOS to analyze to being considered to.In addition, reduce influence to greatest extent, wherein, reduced the number of the content switch of being analyzed or reduced the test quantity of in the content switch of being analyzed, being carried out content allocation system.

In addition, can also adopt distortion more of the present invention and alter mode.For example, some execution mode can comprise that refusal is geographical and goes up away from the content switch approaching with the client on client's content switch and the multi-layer testing geography.

Although the present invention is described with reference to its some specific execution modes, yet these execution modes just are not to limit the present invention for explanation, and scope of the present invention can only be determined by the appended claims book.

Claims

1. method that is used to select possible node, this possible node is selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and this method comprises:

For client computer provides first and second node identifiers, first node identifier sign first node, Section Point identifier sign Section Point, first and second nodes are grouped in together;

For client computer provides the 3rd node identifier, the 3rd node identifier identifies the 3rd node;

First node and the 3rd node are analyzed, so that the first node factor and the 3rd node factor to be provided; With

The first node factor is thought Section Point.

2. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 1, this possible node is selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and this method also comprises:

According to the first node factor and the 3rd node factor, elect first node as possible node; With

Analyze Section Point.

3. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 1, this possible node are selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and wherein, the first node factor is a geographical factors.

4. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 3, this possible node are selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, wherein, analyze an address or a port that the 3rd node is only analyzed the 3rd node.

5. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 2, this possible node is selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and this method also comprises:

Utilize a kind of test to analyze this possible node.

6. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 5, this possible node are selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and wherein, this test comprises the test of server health-and-status check.

7. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 1, this possible node are selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and wherein, the first node factor is the client computer experience factor.

8. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 7, this possible node are selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and wherein, the client computer experience factor comprises a preferred group node.

9. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 1, this possible node are selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, and wherein, the first node factor is based on node identifier.

10. the method that is used to select possible node as claimed in claim 9, this possible node are selected to client computer provides enough delivery quality, wherein, and node identifier identification nodes provider.

11. one kind is used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to the method for client computer, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, and this method comprises:

For client computer provides the first node identifier, first node identifier sign first node;

For client computer provides the Section Point identifier, Section Point identifier sign Section Point;

Utilize first test to analyze first node;

Utilize the analysis of first node, form a node criterion;

Section Point and this node criterion are compared; Wherein, client computer according to this node criterion relatively Section Point is defined as possible transmission node.

12. as claimed in claim 11ly be used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, wherein, the node criterion is geographical criterion.

13. as claimed in claim 11ly be used to select possible transmission node content object is sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, one of wherein, below first test comprises at least: traceroute, by the test of file transmission, the server health-and-status check, server load is checked, Packet InterNet Groper, path difference, BGP routing information, or port responses time.

14. as claimed in claim 11ly be used to select possible transmission node content object is sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, wherein, first test not only comprises traceroute but also comprise Packet InterNet Groper.

15. as claimed in claim 11ly be used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, this method also comprises:

Utilize second test to analyze possible transmission node.

16. as claimed in claim 15ly be used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, wherein, second test comprises the server health-and-status check.

17. one kind is used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to the method for client computer, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, and this method comprises:

The sign first node;

Utilize first criterion to analyze first node;

The sign Section Point;

Utilize first criterion to analyze Section Point;

The analysis of first and second nodes is compared; Wherein, client computer is elected one of first node or Section Point as possible transmission node; With

Utilize a kind of test to analyze this possible transmission node.

18. as claimed in claim 17ly be used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, wherein, this test comprises Packet InterNet Groper and traceroute.

19. as claimed in claim 17ly be used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, wherein, this test comprises the server health-and-status check.

20. as claimed in claim 1ly be used to select possible transmission node content object being sent to requestor's method, this possible transmission node is selected to the delivery quality that provides enough, wherein, first criterion comprises geographical criterion.