Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Distributed data processing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-30
2001-04-24
Harrell, Robert B. (Department: 2152)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Distributed data processing
C709S229000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223209
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to the distribution of information within a distributed hypertext system such as the World Wide Web and, more particularly, to a method for leveling traffic flow and eliminating traffic bottlenecks within a web network by providing duplicate information at multiple web sites.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recent years have seen an exponential increase in the use and construction of the World Wide Web (WWW) system. A drastic increase in traffic over the web resulting from the addition of web sites and expansion of the user base has resulted in extended response times when documents, graphics or other files are retrieved from remote server sites for viewing at a client site. Reasons for the increase in response times include a lack of network bandwidth and an inability of popular web servers to keep up with client requests. Internet Service Provides (ISPs) and Network Service Providers (NSPs) have been increasing network bandwidth in an attempt to accommodate increased web usage, but new services such as audio and video over the Internet can easily consume any capacity expansion as it is brought online.
Server capacity limits can be improved through the addition of more servers at the same site, but this solution places additional strain on the ISP supplying the Internet feed. A traffic bottleneck will always exist if a substantial number of client requests are directed to one popular site. Therefore, a method for distributing popular web site information throughout the Internet so that a client can obtain desired information from a neighborhood server rather than from a remote web site, thereby avoiding making use of congested Internet pathways is desired.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful method for obtaining information over the World Wide Web system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and useful method for leveling traffic flow and eliminating traffic bottlenecks on a distributed hypertext network.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a method wherein information is duplicated at multiple sites within the hypertext network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided, in accordance with the present invention, a method for providing information stored on a primary network server to clients linked to the server through a distributed hypertext network. The method comprises the steps of establishing at least one satellite server located at a site remote from the primary server and placing a duplicate of the information on the satellite server. When a client request for information is received by the primary server, the location or address of the requesting client is examined and the request is redirected to the server providing the most convenient information source for the requesting client.
In the described embodiment, the invention is applied to a web based Internet or intranet system wherein the stored information is contained in hypertext documents or “web” pages. The primary or “home” server examines the IP address of a requesting browser client to determine the satellite server closest to the client. The home server then returns a home page to the requesting client which includes embedded links pointing only to the closest satellite server and the copy of information, i.e., duplicate web pages, contained therein. Many satellite servers containing identical information may be placed strategically throughout the Internet so as to be close to all potential clients.
The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings.
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Harrell Robert B.
NCR Corporation
Stover James M.
Vu Thong
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