초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for encoding characteristics for the retrieval of information. Depending on the characteristics, some methods for retrieving information may be preferred. If information is too large to utilize UDP, then TCP may be preferred. In addition, if information is not cacheable, then

A method and apparatus for encoding characteristics for the retrieval of information. Depending on the characteristics, some methods for retrieving information may be preferred. If information is too large to utilize UDP, then TCP may be preferred. In addition, if information is not cacheable, then it is preferable to retrieve the information directly from the server instead of searching the cache first. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is utilized on the internet to specify the application protocol (e.g., http), the domain name (e.g., www.sun.com), and file location (e.g., /users/hcn/index.html). The suffix of a file indicator is utilized to identify how to process the data or information subsequent to retrieval. One or more embodiments of the invention provide for encoding characteristics of data to be transferred that indicates or hints at an optimal method to retrieve the data. For example, the URL may specify that TCP is the preferred transfer protocol, thereby avoiding an attempted transfer using UDP. Additionally, the encoding may specify that the client should preferably retrieve the information directly from the server instead of searching the proxy cache. The characteristics or preferred retrieval method may be encoded in a any portion of a URL. Additionally, one or more embodiments of the invention provide for backwards compatibility with existing internet browsers by encoding the characteristics in the file location portion of the URL instead of the application protocol identifier portion.

대표청구항 ▼

A method and apparatus for encoding characteristics for the retrieval of information. Depending on the characteristics, some methods for retrieving information may be preferred. If information is too large to utilize UDP, then TCP may be preferred. In addition, if information is not cacheable, then

A method and apparatus for encoding characteristics for the retrieval of information. Depending on the characteristics, some methods for retrieving information may be preferred. If information is too large to utilize UDP, then TCP may be preferred. In addition, if information is not cacheable, then it is preferable to retrieve the information directly from the server instead of searching the cache first. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is utilized on the internet to specify the application protocol (e.g., http), the domain name (e.g., www.sun.com), and file location (e.g., /users/hcn/index.html). The suffix of a file indicator is utilized to identify how to process the data or information subsequent to retrieval. One or more embodiments of the invention provide for encoding characteristics of data to be transferred that indicates or hints at an optimal method to retrieve the data. For example, the URL may specify that TCP is the preferred transfer protocol, thereby avoiding an attempted transfer using UDP. Additionally, the encoding may specify that the client should preferably retrieve the information directly from the server instead of searching the proxy cache. The characteristics or preferred retrieval method may be encoded in a any portion of a URL. Additionally, one or more embodiments of the invention provide for backwards compatibility with existing internet browsers by encoding the characteristics in the file location portion of the URL instead of the application protocol identifier portion. performance to the directory. 6. An information processing server according to claim 5, wherein one information processing apparatus delete the information of functions and performance from the directory when said one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses is disconnected from the network. 7. An information processing server according to claim 6, wherein the network is connected to another network via one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses.