SERVER FUNCTION FOR DEVICE-TO-DEVICE BASED CONTENT DELIVERY

摘要

A method for operating a server includes receiving, at the server, a request from a mobile device identifying a data file and retrieving the data file from a remote storage device in response to receiving the request. A party other than a party that operates the server operates the remote storage device. A number of collaborator devices are identified. Each of the number of collaborator devices is capable of establishing a mobile-to-mobile communications link with the mobile device. Respective portions of the data file are allocated to each of the number of collaborator devices based on at least one of (a) throughputs associated with the number of collaborator devices and (b) potential debits charged by the number of collaborator devices. Respective portions of the data file are transmitted to each of the number of collaborator devices according to the allocation.

主权项

1. A method for operating a server comprising:
receiving, at the server, a request from a mobile device comprising (a) identification of a data file and (b) an indication that either a streaming mode or a download mode is associated with the request; retrieving the data file from a storage device in response to receiving the request, wherein the storage device is located remotely from the server and the mobile device; identifying a collaborator device and a percentage of the data file to be assigned to the collaborator device, wherein the collaborator device is capable of establishing a mobile-to-mobile communications link with the mobile device;
assigning the percentage of the data file to the collaborator device as a single contiguous portion of the data file or as a plurality of non-contiguous portions of the data file based on whether the streaming mode or the download mode is associated with the data file; and transmitting the portion of the data file corresponding to the assigned percentage to the collaborator device.