Automated management of content servers based on change in demand

摘要

Methods and apparatus for detecting a change in demand for server resources across a load-bearing system having one or more content servers hosting identical content, the load-bearing system being connected to a network of content servers; and automatically modifying the number of content servers on the load-bearing system in response to the change in demand.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
using a computer to detect a change in demand for server resources across a first load-bearing system having one or more content servers hosting content, the first load-bearing system being connected to a network comprising at least a second load-bearing system having a plurality of other content servers; automatically modifying the number of content servers on the first load-bearing system in response to the change in demand if a number of the one or more content servers on the first load bearing system is less than a maximum threshold of content servers, wherein the modifying act comprises adding at least one of the other content servers to the first load-bearing system from the second load bearing system; determining whether a total number of the other content servers on the second load-bearing system is greater than a minimum threshold of content servers associated with content hosted by the other content servers; and if the total number is greater than the minimum threshold of content servers, selecting a content server hosting content of a lowest priority level to be the added content server; and if multiple content servers on the second load-bearing system host content of the lowest priority level, selecting a content server having the least number of active sessions among the other content servers hosting content of the lowest priority level on the second load bearing system to be the added content server.