Abstract: Among other things, this document describes systems, devices, and methods for improving the delivery and performance of web pages authored to produce virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experiences. In some embodiments, such web pages are analyzed. This analysis may be initiated at the request of a content server that receives a client request for the HTML. The analysis may involve, asynchronous to the client request, loading the page into a non-user-facing browser environment and allowing the VR or AR scene to execute, even including executing animation routines for a predetermined period of time. Certain characteristics of the scene and of objects are thereby captured. Based on this information, an object list ordered by loading priority is prepared. Consulting this information in response to subsequent requests for the page, a content server can implement server push, early hints and/or other delivery enhancements.

Abstract: Improved technology for managing the caching of objects that are rarely requested by clients. A cache system can be configured to assess a class of objects (such as objects associated with a particular domain) for cacheability, based on traffic observations. If the maximum possible cache offloading for the class of objects falls below a threshold level, which indicates a high proportion of non-cacheable or “single-hitter” content, then cache admission logic is configured to admit objects only after multiple clients requests during a time period (usually the object's time in cache, or eviction age). Otherwise, the cache admission logic may operate to admit objects to the cache after the first client request, assuming the object meets cacheability criteria. The technological improvements disclosed herein can be used to improve cache utilization, for example by preventing single-hitter objects from pushing out multi-hit objects (the objects that get hits after being added to cache).

Abstract: Improvements to internet cache protocols are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a client-facing proxy server can query peer servers to determine whether they have a copy of an object that the proxy server needs. The peer servers can respond based on object information that the peer servers stored about objects they have in cache, where the peers recorded such object information previously when ingesting the objects into their cache and stored it separately from the objects for fast access (e.g. in RAM vs. on disk). This information can be expressed in a compact way using just a few object flags, and enables the peer server to quickly respond and with detail about the status of objects they hold. The proxy server can make an intelligent decision about which peer to use, and indeed whether to use a peer at all.

Abstract: Origin offload is a key performance indicator of a content delivery network (CDN). This patent document presents unique methods and systems for measuring origin offload and applying those measurements to improve the offload. The techniques presented herein enable resource-efficient measurement of origin offload by individual servers and aggregation and analysis of such measurements to produce significant insights. The teachings hereof can be used to better identify root causes of suboptimal offload performance, to tune CDN settings and configurations, and to modify network operations, deployment and/or capacity planning. In addition, discussed herein are improved metrics showing offload in relation to the maximum achievable offload for the particular traffic being served.

Abstract: An analysis system automates IP address structure discovery by deep analysis of sample IPv6 addresses using a set of computational methods, namely, information-theoretic analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. The system receives a sample set of IP addresses, computes entropies, discovers and mines address segments, builds a network model of address segment inter-dependencies, and provides a graphical display with various plots and tools to enable a network analyst to navigate and explore the exposed IPv6 address structure. The structural information is then applied as input to applications that include: (a) identifying homogeneous groups of client addresses, e.g., to assist in mapping clients to content in a CDN; (b) supporting network situational awareness efforts, e.g., in cyber defense; (c) selecting candidate targets for active measurements, e.g.

Abstract: A high-performance distributed ledger and transaction computing network fabric over which large numbers of transactions (involving the transformation, conversion or transfer of information or value) are processed concurrently in a scalable, reliable, secure and efficient manner. In one embodiment, the computing network fabric or “core” is configured to support a distributed blockchain network that organizes data in a manner that allows communication, processing and storage of blocks of the chain to be performed concurrently, with little synchronization, at very high performance and low latency, even when the transactions themselves originate from distant sources. This data organization relies on segmenting a transaction space within autonomous but cooperating computing nodes that are configured as a processing mesh. Each computing node typically is functionally-equivalent to all other nodes in the core.

Abstract: A server in a content delivery network (CDN) can examine API traffic and extract therefrom content that can be optimized before it is served to a client. The server can apply content location instructions to a given API message to find such content therein. Upon finding an instance of such content, the server can verify the identity of the content by applying a set of content verification instructions. If verification succeeds, the server can retrieve an optimized version of the identified content and swap it into the API message for the original version. If an optimized version is not available, the server can initiate an optimization process so that next time the optimized version will be available. In some embodiments, an analysis service can assist by observing traffic from an API endpoint over time, detecting the format of API messages and producing the content location and verification instructions.

Abstract: A method operative in association with a set of transaction handling computing elements that comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein presence of a transaction recorded within a data block is verifiable via a cryptographic hash, and wherein Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structures supporting the immutable chain of data blocks are maintained in a UTXO database, wherein a UXTO is an output from a finalized transaction that contains a value. The technique herein includes periodically snapshotting a given portion of the UTXO database to generate a hash. The hash of the snapshot is recorded within the immutable chain of data blocks, and preferably within a given block header. In responsive to a receipt of a recovery request, and to facilitate recovery of the system to a provably-known state, a consensus algorithm is executed over the UXTO snapshot.

Abstract: A method of multicasting real-time video is described. The method begins by establishing a multicast network of machines capable of ingress, forwarding and broadcasting traffic, together with a mapping infrastructure. The multicast network preferably comprises a portion of an overlay network, such as a content delivery network (CDN). A video stream is published to the multicast network by (a) using the mapping infrastructure to find an ingress node in the multicast network, and then receiving the video stream from a publisher at the ingress node. One or more subscribers then subscribe to the video stream. In particular, and for subscriber, this subscription is carried out by (a) using the mapping infrastructure to find an egress node for the requesting client, and then delivering the video stream to the subscriber from the egress node. Preferably, the publisher and each subscriber use WebRTC to publish or consume the video stream, and video stream is consumed in a videoconference.

Abstract: A high-performance distributed ledger and transaction computing network fabric over which large numbers of transactions (involving the transformation, conversion or transfer of information or value) are processed concurrently in a scalable, reliable, secure and efficient manner. In one embodiment, the computing network fabric or “core” is configured to support a distributed blockchain network that organizes data in a manner that allows communication, processing and storage of blocks of the chain to be performed concurrently, with little synchronization, at very high performance and low latency, even when the transactions themselves originate from distant sources. This data organization relies on segmenting a transaction space within autonomous but cooperating computing nodes that are configured as a processing mesh. Each computing node typically is functionally-equivalent to all other nodes in the core.

Abstract: This document describes, among other things, security hardening techniques that guard against certain client-side attack vectors. These techniques generally involve the use of an intermediary that detects and handles identity service transactions on behalf of a client. In one embodiment, the intermediary establishes a resource domain session with the client in order to provide the client with desired resource domain content or services from a resource domain host. The intermediary detects when the resource domain host invokes a federated identity service as a condition of client access. The intermediary handles the identity transaction in the identity domain on behalf of the client within the client's resource domain session. Upon successful authentication and/or authorization with an IdP, the intermediary connects the results of the identity services domain transaction to the resource domain.

Abstract: A service consumer that utilizes a cloud-based access service provided by a service provider has associated therewith a network that is not capable of being controlled by the service provider. An enterprise connector is supported in this uncontrolled network, preferably as an appliance-based solution. According to this disclosure, the enterprise configures an appliance and then deploys it in the uncontrolled network. To this end, an appliance is required to proceed through a multi-stage approval protocol before it is accepted as a “connector” and is thus enabled for secure communication with the service provider. The multiple stages include a “first contact” (back to the service) stage, an undergoing approval stage, a re-generating identity material stage, and a final approved and configured stage. Unless the appliance passes through these stages, the appliance is not permitted to interact with the service as a connector.

Abstract: An overlay network is augmented to provide more efficient data storage by processing a dataset of high dimension into an equivalent dataset of lower dimension, wherein the data reduction reduces the amount of actual physical data but not necessarily its informational value. Data to be processed (dimensionally-reduced) is received by an ingestion layer and supplied to a learning-based storage reduction application that implements the data reduction technique. The application applies a data reduction algorithm and stores the resulting dimensionally-reduced data sets in the native data storage or third party cloud. To recover the original higher-dimensional data, an associated reverse algorithm is implemented. In general, the application coverts an N dimensional data set to a K dimensional data set, where K<<N. The N dimensional dataset has a high dimension, and the K dimensional dataset has a low dimension.

Abstract: Transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that processes transaction requests into a blockchain, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) supporting the blockchain is an output from a finalized transaction. The elements interoperate with a transaction signing mechanism that associates a set of addresses on the blockchain with a delegate address, the delegate address having a set of signing public keys corresponding to one or more signing private keys used to sign UTXOs. In association with a new transaction being processed by the set of transaction handling components, a signing public key for an associated UXTO is located by following an address chain that includes an address in the set of addresses together with the delegate address. The signing public key is retrieved from a location associated with the delegate address and then used to sign (unlock) the associated UXTO.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a technique to determine whether a client computing device accessing an API is masquerading its device type (i.e., pretending to be a device that it is not). To this end, and according to this disclosure, the client performs certain processing requested by the server to reveal its actual processing capabilities and thereby its true device type, whereupon—once the server learns the true nature of the client device—it can take appropriate actions to mitigate or prevent further damage. To this end, during the API transaction the server returns information to the client device that causes the client device to perform certain computations or actions. The resulting activity is captured on the client computing and then transmitted back to the server, which then analyzes the data to inform its decision about the true client device type.

Abstract: Improved technology for managing the caching of objects that are rarely requested by clients. A cache system can be configured to assess a class of objects (such as objects associated with a particular domain) for cacheability, based on traffic observations. If the maximum possible cache offloading for the class of objects falls below a threshold level, which indicates a high proportion of non-cacheable or “single-hitter” content, then cache admission logic is configured to admit objects only after multiple clients requests during a time period (usually the object's time in cache, or eviction age). Otherwise, the cache admission logic may operate to admit objects to the cache after the first client request, assuming the object meets cacheability criteria. The technological improvements disclosed herein can be used to improve cache utilization, for example by preventing single-hitter objects from pushing out multi-hit objects (the objects that get hits after being added to cache).

Abstract: A method for dynamic and extensible creation of an extensible wireless network, using a set of drones that individually support server processes. The drones interact with one another, exchanging information, type of coverage, type and amount of throughput, location, etc. A control node connects to a wired network. The node operates a leader election protocol, captures state information from the drones, and positions/re-positions the drones as necessary. Drones are flown in to position and then engaged as necessary to stretch/adapt the coverage as necessary. The drone's power utilization is monitored and its coverage area modified as necessary to optimize power utilization. The control node performs drone-based coverage/power utilization computations, and attempts to apply the appropriate location assignments to provide maximum network coverage (extensibility) while also preserving drone-specific power (battery) utilization.

Abstract: A system for enterprise collaboration is associated with an overlay network, such as a content delivery network (CDN). The overlay network comprises machines capable of ingress, forwarding and broadcasting traffic, together with a mapping infrastructure. The system comprises a front-end application, a back-end application, and set of one or more APIs through which the front-end application interacts with the back-end application. The front-end application is a web or mobile application component that provides one or more collaboration functions. The back-end application comprises a signaling component that maintains state information about each participant in a collaboration, a connectivity component that manages connections routed through the overlay network, and a multiplexing component that manages a multi-peer collaboration session to enable an end user peer to access other peers' media streams through the overlay network rather than directly from another peer.

Abstract: A high-performance distributed ledger and transaction computing network fabric over which large numbers of transactions are processed concurrently in a scalable, reliable, secure and efficient manner. In one embodiment, the computing network core is configured to support a distributed blockchain network that organizes data in a manner that allows communication, processing and storage of blocks of the chain to be performed concurrently at very high performance and low latency, even when the transactions themselves originate from distant sources. This data organization relies on segmenting a transaction space within autonomous but cooperating computing nodes that are configured as a processing mesh. The system also provides for confidence-based consensus. A configuration system is provided to enable configuration updates to be securely implemented across various subsets of the computing nodes.

Abstract: A method of delivering location-specific content by a content processing server is disclosed. A request for web content is received by the content processing server. A location of an originator of the received request for web content is identified. A local proxy server is selected based on the identified location of the originator of the received request for web content. The web content is requested via the selected local proxy server. Location-specific web content from the content provider is received via the selected local proxy server. The received local-specific web content is sent to the originator of the received request in response to the received request.