Network configured for delivery of content for download to a recipient
First Claim
1. A system for delivering content items over a network for download to recipient processors within a service region, the system comprising:
- a plurality of edge servers connected for communication on the network and distributed within the service region, each edge server having a storage facility for storing content items for delivery to recipient processors, wherein selected content items are stored on each edge server by applying an algorithm to determine content least frequently used, and selected content items are stored on each edge server based on a least frequently used determination so that not all available content items are stored on each edge server;
at least one parent server connected for communication on the network, wherein the at least one parent server stores all available content items and provides content items to the plurality of edge servers, the plurality of edge servers requesting content not stored thereon from the at least one parent server; and
at least one main server connected for communication on the network for providing an interface for receiving and processing requests for content items from recipient processors, wherein each main server is programmed or configured for directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Network systems and processes for delivery of electronic content to recipient processors may be configured to facilitate the delivery of relatively large content items and/or a relatively large number of content items. In one example, a movie rental system and process delivers (downloads) movie files to customers across the Internet. System network architecture includes three or more layers of servers, including a main server supporting an interface for recipient processors to request content items, a plurality of parent servers, and a plurality of edge servers. Edge servers are distributed throughout a region in which the system provides content delivery services to recipient processors. Parent servers, spaced across the service region, support edge servers. A copy of each content item available through the service is distributed from the main server to each parent servers for storage. Parent servers distribute content to edges servers, pursuant to instructions from the main server or requests from the edge servers. The main server receives and processes requests for content items from recipient processors and directs recipient processors to edge servers for obtaining requested content items. The main server also authenticates licenses and publishes rules for the distribution of content items.
320 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for delivering content items over a network for download to recipient processors within a service region, the system comprising:
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a plurality of edge servers connected for communication on the network and distributed within the service region, each edge server having a storage facility for storing content items for delivery to recipient processors, wherein selected content items are stored on each edge server by applying an algorithm to determine content least frequently used, and selected content items are stored on each edge server based on a least frequently used determination so that not all available content items are stored on each edge server; at least one parent server connected for communication on the network, wherein the at least one parent server stores all available content items and provides content items to the plurality of edge servers, the plurality of edge servers requesting content not stored thereon from the at least one parent server; and at least one main server connected for communication on the network for providing an interface for receiving and processing requests for content items from recipient processors, wherein each main server is programmed or configured for directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A process for delivering content items over a network for download to recipient processors within a service region, the process comprising:
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storing all available content items with at least one parent server connected on the network; receiving content items from the at least one parent server over the network and storing selected content items with a plurality of edge servers connected on the network and distributed within the service region, wherein the plurality of edge servers request content items not stored thereon from the at least one parent server; applying an algorithm to determine content items least frequently used, and storing content items on each edge server based on a least frequently used determination so that not all available content items are stored on each edge server; providing an interface with at least one main server connected on the network, for receiving and processing requests for content items from recipient processors; and directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items in response to receiving and processing requests for content items on the at least one main server. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A process for delivering content items over a network for download to recipient processors within a service region, the process comprising:
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storing content items with at least one parent server connected on the network; receiving content items from the at least one parent server over the network and storing content items with a plurality of edge servers connected on the network and distributed within the service region; providing an interface with at least one main server connected on the network, for receiving and processing requests for content items from recipient processors; and directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items in response to receiving and processing requests for content items on the at least one main server; and controlling access by recipient processors to content items obtained from edge servers, based on payment information received and processed by at least one main server. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification