LOCAL DISTRIBUTION NODE IN A CONTENT DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

摘要

Methods and systems to improve the efficiency of a content delivery system. A local distribution node is introduced to the network, between the content provider and the end user device (i.e., the leaf node). The local distribution node is responsible for servicing a localized subset of the leaf nodes that would otherwise be serviced by a conventional server of the content delivery system. Requests for content are received at the local distribution node from leaf nodes, and content is received at the local distribution node for transmission to the leaf node(s). Content may be cached at the local distribution node to allow faster service of subsequent requests for this content. Caching may also be used to make the channel surfing process more efficient. If demand is high, a leaf node may be promoted to serve as an additional local distribution node. Leaf nodes may also share content among themselves. Bandwidth may be allocated and reallocated by the local distribution node for the local population of leaf nodes.

主权项

1. A method for distributing content, comprising:
receiving, at a local distribution node in a content distribution node, a request for content; receiving, and the local distribution node, user information for a requesting user; determining if the user is permitted to access content; caching the content at the local distribution node if caching requirements are met; and distributing the content to a leaf node of the user if access is permitted.