초록 ▼

The present invention is an adaptive file distribution method for choosing a transmission protocol in order to optimize network and processor bandwidth according to the number of client nodes active on the data distribution network. Specifically, a method for adaptively selecting a transport protoco

The present invention is an adaptive file distribution method for choosing a transmission protocol in order to optimize network and processor bandwidth according to the number of client nodes active on the data distribution network. Specifically, a method for adaptively selecting a transport protocol for transmitting data segments across a distributed data network can include the steps of: determining the number and identity of subordinate nodes on the network that will receive the data segment; selecting a data transport protocol according to the number of subordinate nodes determined; and, transmitting the data segment to the subordinate nodes using the selected transport protocol. Significantly, the transport protocol is selected from the group consisting of a connection-oriented protocol and a connectionless protocol. Moreover, the connection-oriented protocol can be the Transport Control Protocol, whereas the connectionless protocol can be the Universal Datagram Protocol.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for adaptively selecting a transport protocol for transmitting data segments across a distributed data network comprising a primary distributor and at least one subordinate node comprising the steps of:determining the number and identity of subordinate nodes on said network that will rec

1. A method for adaptively selecting a transport protocol for transmitting data segments across a distributed data network comprising a primary distributor and at least one subordinate node comprising the steps of:determining the number and identity of subordinate nodes on said network that will receive an initial transmission of a prime copy of said data segment;selecting a data transport protocol according to said number of subordinate nodes, said transport protocol selected from the group consisting of a connection-oriented protocol and a connectionless protocol; and,transmitting said initial transmission of said prime copy of said data segment to said determined subordinate nodes using said selected transport protocol. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said determining step comprises the steps of:initializing a counter in said primary distributor;receiving a request for updated data from subordinate nodes on said network; and,responsive to said request, incrementing said counter. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said determining step comprises the steps of:initializing a counter in said primary distributor;identifying each active subordinate node on said network, and,for each identified active subordinate node, incrementing said counter. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said selecting step comprises the steps of:selecting a connectionless transport protocol if said number of subordinate nodes exceed four nodes; and,otherwise selecting a connection-oriented transport protocol. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said connectionless transport protocol is the Universal Datagram Protocol. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said connection-oriented transport protocol is the Transport Control Protocol. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said transmitting step comprises the steps of:if a connectionless transport protocol is selected, broadcasting said data segment to said subordinate nodes using said connectionless transport protocol; and,otherwise establishing a point-to-point connection with each said subordinate node and writing said data segment to each said connection. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said broadcasting step comprises the steps of:fragmenting said data segment into one kilobyte (1 K) slices of data; and,repeatedly transmitting said 1 K slices of data onto said network until all said 1 K slices have been transmitted. 9. A method for adaptively distributing file updates and performing file reconciliation in a distributed data network comprising the steps of:updating a prime copy of a file residing on a primary distributor;responsive to said update, identifying at least one subordinate node requesting an initial transmission of said updated file;if said identified subordinate nodes exceed a threshold number, broadcasting said initial transmission of said updated file to said identified subordinate nodes; and,otherwise establishing a point-to-point connection with each said identified subordinate node and transmitting said initial transmission of said updated file to each said identified subordinate node using said point-to-point connection. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said broadcasting step comprises the steps of:if said identified subordinate nodes exceed four active subordinate nodes, selecting a connectionless transport protocol for transmitting said updated file to said identified subordinate nodes; and,transmitting said updated file to said identified subordinate nodes using said connectionless transport protocol. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said connectionless transport protocol is the Universal Datagram Protocol. 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein said establishing step comprises the steps of:if said identified subordinate nodes does not exceed four subordinate nodes, selecting a connection-oriented transport protocol for transmitting said updated file to said identified subordinate nodes;est ablishing a connection with each said identified subordinate node; and,transmitting said updated file to each said identified subordinate nodes using said connection-oriented transport protocol. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said connection-oriented transport protocol is the Transport Control Protocol. 14. A computer apparatus programmed with a routine set of instructions stored in a fixed medium for adaptively selecting a transport protocol for transmitting data segments across a distributed data network comprising a primary distributor and at least one subordinate node, said programmed computer apparatus comprising:means for determining the number and identity of subordinate nodes on said network that will receive an initial transmission of a data segment;means for selecting a data transport protocol according to said number of subordinate nodes, said transport protocol selected from the group consisting of a connection-oriented protocol and a connectionless protocol; and,means for transmitting said initial transmission of said data segment to said determined subordinate nodes using said selected transport protocol. 15. The computer apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said determining means comprises:means for initial a counter in said primary distributor;means for receiving a request for updated data from subordinate nodes on said network; and,means responsive to said request, incrementing said counter. 16. The computer apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said determining means comprises:means for initializing a counter in said primary distributor;means for identifying each active subordinate node on said network; and,means for incrementing said counter for each identified active subordinate node. 17. The computer apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said selecting means comprises:means for selecting a connectionless transport protocol if said number of subordinate nodes exceed four nodes; and,means for otherwise selecting a connection-oriented transport protocol. 18. The computer apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said connectionless transport protocol is the Universal Datagram Protocol. 19. The computer apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said connection-oriented transport protocol is the Transport Control Protocol. 20. The computer apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said transmitting means comprise:means for broadcasting said data segment to said subordinate nodes using said connectionless transport protocol if a connectionless transport protocol is selected; and,means for otherwise establishing a point-to-point connection with each said subordinate node and writing said data segment to each said connection. 21. The computer apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said broadcasting means comprises:means for fragmenting said data segment into one kilobyte (1 K) slices of data; and,means for repeatedly transmitting said 1 K slices of data onto said network until all said 1 K slices have been transmitted.