System and method for server-side optimization of data delivery on a distributed computer network

Abstract

A system and method for the optimized storage and retrieval of video data at distributed sites calls for the deployment of “Smart Mirror” sites throughout a network, each of which maintains a copy of certain data managed by the system. User addresses are assigned to specific delivery sites based on an analysis of network performance with respect to each of the available delivery sites. Generalized network performance data is collected and stored to facilitate the selection of additional delivery sites and to ensure the preservation of improved performance in comparison to traditional networks.

1 . A method of content delivery managed by a service provider on behalf of participating content providers in a distributed computer network, wherein machines make requests for participating content provider content, comprising:
 locating delivery sites at network locations, wherein a given delivery site supports content from multiple participating content providers;   generating a table that is indexed by a set of values each corresponding to a byte of a given IP address, wherein for each such value, the table includes IP addresses identifying a subset of delivery sites, where the table is generated based on network performance data collected by the server provider; and   in response to a machine at a given IP address making a request for content being managed by the service provider, using a byte of the machine's IP address as an index into the table to associate the request with an IP address of at least one of the subset of delivery sites.   
   
   
       2 . The method of content delivery as described in  claim 1  further including modifying the table as a function of the network performance data. 
   
   
       3 . The method of content delivery as described in  claim 2  wherein the table is modified to alter the one or more IP addresses identifying the subset of delivery sites. 
   
   
       4 . The method of content delivery as described in  claim 3  wherein, as a result of the modification, requests for content are directed to an alternate delivery site.