Method and system for hierarchical tracking of content and cache for networking and distribution to wired and mobile devices

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and apparatus for tracking media content (storage) and its cache (that is synched with the original content) in a large-scale wide-area distributed network. The system includes at least one mini tracker which is configured to keep information on the location of the content and to distribute this information to micro trackers in a first jurisdiction. The system also includes at least one zone tracker which is configured to keep information on the location of the content in a region and to distribute this information to mini trackers in a second jurisdiction. The system further includes a master tracker which is configured to keep information on the location of the content in all regions in a third jurisdiction to distribute this information to zone trackers in the third jurisdiction. The micro tracker (in wired or mobile end device/point) is configured to obtain location information from at least one of the mini tracker or zone tracker if a primary source malfunctions.

主权项

1. A hierarchical system, having a memory and a processor, comprising:
at least one micro tracker included in a wired or mobile end device, wherein a micro tracker is configured to provide a location of content that is disseminated through a distributed network; at least one mini tracker which is configured to keep information on the location of the content and to distribute the information to micro trackers in a first jurisdiction; at least one zone tracker which is configured to keep information on the location of the content in a region and to distribute the information to mini trackers in a second jurisdiction; and a master tracker which is configured to keep information on the location of the content in all regions in a third jurisdiction to distribute the information to zone trackers in the third jurisdiction, wherein the micro tracker is configured to obtain location information from at least one of the mini tracker or zone tracker if a primary source malfunctions, wherein after an initial period the zone tracker is configured to request and receive a real-time update from the master tracker, the mini tracker is configured to request and receive a real-time update from the zone tracker, and the micro tracker is configured to request and receive a real-time update from the mini tracker, and wherein the micro tracker is configured to maintain information about primary, secondary and tertiary sources, wherein during normal operations the micro tracker is configured to obtain location information from a host mini tracker, and during abnormal operations, the micro tracker is configured to bypass the host mini tracker and to use secondary or tertiary hosts to retrieve location information.