Distributing requests across multiple content delivery networks based on subscriber policy

摘要

A method, operable in a framework wherein resources of a content provider may be delivered to clients from at least two distinct content delivery networks (CDNs). Responsive to a client request, one of the CDNs is selected, the selection being based at least in part on one or more policies set by the content provider. The client is provided with information associated with the selected CDN. The information may be a domain name such as a CNAME for the selected CDN. The policies may include a load share policy that specifies a relative load share for each CDN, and the selecting may attempt to satisfy the load share policy. Updated content provider policies may be obtained, at regular intervals.

主权项

1. A method, operable in a framework wherein resources of a content provider may be delivered to clients from at least one content delivery network (CDN) formed of a plurality of cache servers or from a subscriber server network associated with the content provider, wherein the subscriber server network is distinct from the at least one CDN, the method comprising:
responsive to receipt of a client request at a name server to resolve a domain name,
retrieving policies from a policy database of the name server, the domain name being associated with a request for at least one resource of the content provider, andselecting either the at least one CDN or the subscriber server network, the selecting being based at least in part on one or more of the retrieved policies set by the content provider and at least one other retrieved policy, wherein the one or more retrieved policies set by the content provider relate, at least in part, to delivery of resources on behalf of the content provider; and by hardware in combination with software, providing the client with information associated with the selected network.