Intermediate cache and system with client interface routine connecting server to clients

Abstract

A cache apparatus for a network receives and responds to network file-services-protocol requests from client workstations coupled to the network. The cache apparatus includes a digital memory for storing data transmitted in responding to the network requests. A processing unit executes program instructions. A network interface couples the cache apparatus to the network. The interface includes program instructions, executed by the processing unit, for receiving the requests and transmitting responses thereto. A file-request-service module includes program instructions, executed by the processing unit, for interpreting the requests and generating responses thereto. The network interface transmits file-request-generation module requests to network.

1 . A system for providing data to a plurality of clients over a data transmission path comprising;
 a server operable to store one or more data files operatively connected to the data path; and,   a plurality of clients operably connected to the data path; and,   an intermediate cache site interposed between said server and said clients including a intermediate cache memory; and,   said intermediate cache site closest to the clients including a client intercept routine operable to connect via, the data transmission path to said clients; and,   said intermediate cache site further including a file server interface routine operable to store in said intermediate cache memory data files determined to be transferred from said server to said clients; and,   said intermediate cache site further including a client interface routine operatively connecting said server to said clients.   
     
     
         2 . A system for providing data to a plurality of clients over a data transmission path as in  claim 1 , wherein said file server interface routine stores only selected ones of said data files determined to be transferred along said data path to a client. 
     
     
         3 . A system for providing data to a plurality of clients over a data transmission path as in  claim 2 , wherein said selected ones of said files are selected on a temporal basis. 
     
     
         4 . A system for providing data to a plurality of clients over a data transmission path as in  claim 2 , wherein said selected ones of said files are selected on a concurrent basis. 
     
     
         5 . A system for providing data to a plurality of clients over a data transmission path as in  claim 1 , wherein said intermediate cache sites are operatively adapted to transmit an entire data file to said clients even though only a portion of said data file has been requested by said client. 
     
     
         6 . An intermediate cache for imposition between a server and a plurality of clients comprising:
 a microprocessor and a plurality of routines executable by said microprocessor; and,   an intermediate cache memory; and,   a client intercept routine operable to connect via the data transmission path to clients; and,   a file server interface routine operable to store in said intermediate cache memory data files determined to be transferred from said server to clients; and,   a client interface routine operatively connecting said server to said clients.   
     
     
         7 . An intermediate cache for imposition between a server and a plurality of clients as in  claim 6 , wherein said file server interface routine stores only selected ones of the data files determined to be transferred along said data path to a client. 
     
     
         8 . An intermediate cache for imposition between a server and a plurality of clients as in  claim 7 , wherein said selected ones of files are selected on a temporal basis. 
     
     
         9 . An intermediate cache for imposition between a server and a plurality of clients as in  claim 7 , wherein said selected ones of files are selected on a concurrent basis. 
     
     
         10 . An intermediate cache for imposition between a server and a plurality of clients as in  claim 6 , wherein said intermediate cache site is operatively adapted to transmit an entire data file to said clients even though only a portion of said data file has been requested by said client.