Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for creating an innovative file system that separates its directory presentation from its data store. The method and system include processing, division, distribution, managing, synchronizing, and reassembling of file system objects that does not delay the presentation of the content to the user, but also uses a reduced amount of storage space. The invention includes the ability to manage and control the integrity of the files distributed across the network, and the ability to serve and reconstruct files in real time using a Virtual File Control System.

Abstract: Large payload files are selectively partitioned in blocks and the blocks distributed to a plurality of distribution stations at the edge of the network qualified to have the data. Each qualified station decides how much and what portion of the content to save locally, based on information such as network location and environment, usage, popularity, and other distribution criteria defined by the content provider. Different pieces of a large payload file may be available from different nodes, however, when a user requests access to the large payload file, for example, through an application server, a virtual file control system creates an illusion that the entire file is present at the connected node. However, since only selective portions of the large payload file may actually be resident at that node's storage at the time of request, a cluster of distribution servers at the distribution station may download the non-resident portions of the file as the application server is servicing the user.

Abstract: A scalable content delivery network (SCDN) employs a parallel download mechanism to ensure that a demanded file is present at a station in time for user consumption. This mechanism is used in solving the content caching and storage problem for applications such as video-on-demand, which is commonly perceived as a tough problem in the industry. In the network, files are divided into smaller units called tracks according to the nature of data contained in each of them. Tracks are further divided into smaller equally sized units called block files. This division builds the foundation for parallel download. A sequence server provides a lock-free mechanism for multiple threads or processes to access data atomically. The sequence server allows clients to gain sequential access to data, or to find out whether the sequence has been violated so that they can retry their operation or take corrective action. Advantages of the invention include the ability to handle distribution of large files and process sequencing.

Abstract: Large payload files are selectively partitioned in blocks and the blocks distributed to a plurality of distribution stations at the edge of the network qualified to have the data. Each qualified station decides how much and what portion of the content to save locally, based on information such as network location and environment, usage, popularity, and other distribution criteria defined by the content provider. Different pieces of a large payload file may be available from different nodes, however, when a user requests access to the large payload file, for example, through an application server, a virtual file control system creates an illusion that the entire file is present at the connected node. However, since only selective portions of the large payload file may actually be resident at that node's storage at the time of request, a cluster of distribution servers at the distribution station may download the non-resident portions of the file as the application server is servicing the user.

Abstract: A method for initializing a new node in a network. The network has multiple nodes arranged in a virtual tree format. The new node is a node of the tree, and each node of the tree has a set of attributes and a set of rolled up attributes to identify each node. A query is automatically sent to the nodes to determine what contents to download. The contents are then stored as block files in the nodes. The query contains the set of attributes and rolled up attributes for the new node. The query receives replies from a subset of the nodes that have the contents needed for the new node. Each reply identifies what subset of the block files is available and the performance characteristics of that replying node. Then the desired contents from the subset of the block files from nodes that are least congested is downloaded.

Abstract: Large payload files are selectively partitioned in blocks and the blocks distributed to a plurality of distribution stations at the edge of the network qualified to have the data. Each qualified station decides how much and what portion of the content to save locally, based on information such as network location and environment, usage, popularity, and other distribution criteria defined by the content provider. Different pieces of a large payload file may be available from different nodes, however, when a user requests access to the large payload file, for example, through an application server, a virtual file control system creates an illusion that the entire file is present at the connected node. However, since only selective portions of the large payload file may actually be resident at that node's storage at the time of request, a cluster of distribution servers at the distribution station may download the non-resident portions of the file as the application server is servicing the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for creating an innovative file system that separates its directory presentation from its data store. The method and system include processing, division, distribution, managing, synchronizing, and reassembling of file system objects that does not delay the presentation of the content to the user, but also uses a reduced amount of storage space. The invention includes the ability to manage and control the integrity of the files distributed across the network, and the ability to serve and reconstruct files in real time using a Virtual File Control System.

Abstract: A scalable content delivery network (SCDN) employs a parallel download mechanism to ensure that a demanded file is present at a station in time for user consumption. This mechanism is used in solving the content caching and storage problem for applications such as video-on-demand, which is commonly perceived as a tough problem in the industry. In the network, files are divided into smaller units called tracks according to the nature of data contained in each of them. Tracks are further divided into smaller equally sized units called block files. This division builds the foundation for parallel download. A sequence server provides a lock-free mechanism for multiple threads or processes to access data atomically. The sequence server allows clients to gain sequential access to data, or to find out whether the sequence has been violated so that they can retry their operation or take corrective action. Advantages of the invention include the ability to handle distribution of large files and process sequencing.

Abstract: Large payload files are selectively partitioned in blocks and the blocks distributed to a plurality of distribution stations at the edge of the network qualified to have the data. Each qualified station decides how much and what portion of the content to save locally, based on information such as network location and environment, usage, popularity, and other distribution criteria defined by the content provider. Different pieces of a large payload file may be available from different nodes, however, when a user requests access to the large payload file, for example, through an application server, a virtual file control system creates an illusion that the entire file is present at the connected node. However, since only selective portions of the large payload file may actually be resident at that node's storage at the time of request, a cluster of distribution servers at the distribution station may download the non-resident portions of the file as the application server is servicing the user.

Abstract: Large payload files are selectively partitioned in blocks and the blocks distributed to a plurality of distribution stations at the edge of the network qualified to have the data. Each qualified station decides how much and what portion of the content to save locally, based on information such as network location and environment, usage, popularity, and other distribution criteria defined by the content provider. Different pieces of a large payload file may be available from different nodes, however, when a user requests access to the large payload file, for example, through an application server, a virtual file control system creates an illusion that the entire file is present at the connected node. However, since only selective portions of the large payload file may actually be resident at that node's storage at the time of request, a cluster of distribution servers at the distribution station may download the non-resident portions of the file as the application server is servicing the user.