Abstract: A technique for optimizing delivery of specialized content files such as multimedia files in a computer network. A multimedia file cache is located at a point of presence, such as at an Internet Service Provider (ISP), gateway, or other place close to user connection points into the network. A redirection function intercepts media redirection file requests sent to or from the media server and rewrites such requests so that they point to the local media file cache.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for tagging messages to reduce redundant processing of data at two different, but linked, processing units. A first message processing unit assigns a tag to a message based upon its content, where the message and corresponding tag are passed along for further processing at a second network processing unit. The second processing unit decodes the message to identify the tag and, therefore, the process associated with a particular message. In this way, a stream of related messages are identified by the assigned tag, simplifying the process of directing the messages to the appropriate process at a is second processing unit.

Abstract: A configuration management service in a client-server data processing system that manages distribution and installation of different versions and formats of resources so that they remain compatible with each other. When the resources are application programs, the service only distributes combinations of applications that are compatible with one another. This provides the advantages of local execution of application programs on a client computer while at the same time providing the advantages of managed configuration from the central server location. The applications continue to run on the clients and network hosting is not used. The service thus separates execution of applications from the control over their distribution. In a preferred embodiment, a hierarchical, networked cache storage arrangement is used to coordinate the actual physical storage and distribution of the resources as demands are made for them.

Abstract: A non-hierarchical or linear directory structure for a mass storage unit such as a disk. The directory structure can be kept in an auxiliary semiconductor memory. The disk is partitioned into segments of equal size. The directory structure presumes that data objects reside wholly and contiguously within a given area of the disk segments. While a variable number of objects may be stored within each segment, a given object is not allowed to occupy more than one segment. During a storage operation, objects are assigned to segments in a round-robin fashion, to equalize segment utilization.

Abstract: A redirector device for enabling highly reliable deployment of in line network traffic server (such as a document cache) or processor (such as a network monitoring and management device). In normal operation, the device selectively redirects traffic at a link layer to the traffic server, by type of message received or client address or application, server address or application, adjacent network node address, or other parameters. However, the device also detects failures of the traffic server, and when appropriate, switches line traffic to bypass the server. This implements a fail safety feature for the server in the sense that a failure causes traffic to be forwarded past the server, thereby enabling the network to remain operational.

Abstract: A technique for automatic, transparent, distributed, scalable and robust replication of document copies in a computer network wherein request messages for a particular document follow paths from the clients to a home server that form a routing graph. Client request messages are routed up the graph towards the home server as would normally occur in the absence of caching. However, cache servers are located along the route, and may intercept requests if they can be serviced. In order to be able to service requests in this manner without departing from standard network protocols, the cache server needs to be able to insert a packet filter into the router associated with it, and needs also to proxy for the home server from the perspective of the client. Cache servers cooperate to update cache content by communicating with neighboring caches whenever information is received about invalid cache copies.