.
`
`a!
`
`/..n
`'
`
`I
`
`i
`'
`
`t
`
`litre PATENT APPLICATION of
`-
`
`0‘95
`
`
`FARBER e! 111.
`
`Appln. No'. 09/283,160
`
`'
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENTAND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Q
`
`0
`i
`7 Z701/
`
`
`
`Group Art Unit:
`
`2177
`
`Examiner: Homere, Jean R.
`
`Filed: April 1,1999 ,
`
`'
`
`EXPEDITED
`EMMINA TION
`
`‘
`
`For;
`
`IDENTIFYING AND REQUESTING DATA IN NETWORK USING
`IDENTIFIERS‘WHICH ARE. BASED ON CONTENTS OF DATA (As Amended)
`
`
`
`w s * {F
`
`at:
`
`RESPONSE '
`
`Hon. Commissioner ofPatents
`and Trademarks
`Washington, DC. 2023.1.
`Sir:
`
`Please amend this application as follows:
`
`‘ IN THE: CLAIMS:
`
`August 22,2001
`
`F?
`EOE/V50
`AUG 2 4 ,
`_
`‘
`/’/{1/'
`T
`echno/Ogy 09m
`W 2100
`
`Please amend the claims as follows (the-claim amendments are shown in detail invthe
`
`attached appendix}
`
`
`4 ./
`’54. (Amended) ‘In a system inWhijch a Set of data files are distributed across anetwork
`
`CA/
`
`V of servers, at least some of'the data files being cached‘versions' of data files, from .a source
`server, wherein the sourceserver is distinct from the servers in the network, a content
`delivery method comprising:
`
`determining a data identifier fer arparticular data file on the source server, the data
`
`identifier being determined using a given function of the data, wherein said data used by the
`
`
`
`a
`
`t
`
`EMCVMW 1019
`
`

`

`‘I
`
`‘ [/Application orFarber ct a., No. 09/283,160
`given function to determine the data identifier comprises the contents of the particular data
`file; and
`
`responsive to ‘a request for the particular data file, the request including at least the
`
`data identifier of. the particular data file, providing the particular data file from a given one of
`
`the sewers of the, network of servers, said providing'being based on the dataidentitier of the
`
`requested data item.
`
`iii-(Amended)Inasystem in which a set ofdata files are distributed across anetwork
`
`of servers, Some. of the data files being cached from a source server distinct from the servers
`in the nétWorkt a content delivery method comprising:
`determining a data identifier for? a partieuiar data file on the source server, the data
`
`identifier being determined using a given function of the data, wherein said data used by the
`
`given function to determine the data identifier comprises the contents of the. particular data
`
`file; and
`
`responsive to a request for the particular data file, the request including at least the
`
`data identifier of the particular'datafile, causing a copy of the partieular data file to be
`
`provided from a given. one of the servers ofthe network of servers.
`
`lb
`5,
`
`.
`. (Amended) A content delivery method, comprising:
`
`distributing. a; set ofidata files across; a network of servers;
`
`determiningra data identifier for a particular data file,- the data identifier being
`detennined using, a given function of the data, wherein said data used by the given function to I
`
`determine the data identifier comprises the contents ofthe particular data file; and
`
`in response to a request for the particular data fiie, the request including at least the
`data identifier of the particular datafi'le, providing the particular data file from a given One of
`the servers of'the network of servers, said providing being based on the data identifier ofthe
`
`particular data file.
`
`“ .
`ii?
`§’{(Amended) A method as in claim 5/further comprising:
`
`determining Whether the data identifier corresponds to a data identifier of any data file
`
`present on the given server.
`
`

`

`.1 Application ofFarber et at, No. 09/283,160
`il
`,
`\2 158’. (Amended) A method asin claim 77 further comprising:
`based on said determining, if the data identifier does not correspond to a data file
`
`present on the given server, locating the particular. data file from another server.
`
`.
`.
`w
`i’9 99/ (Amended) A method as in claim d8 further comprising:
`obtaining, on the given server, a local cepy of the particular data file, from the other
`
`server.
`
`I
`
`\b
`M 6% (Amended) A. method as. in claim §6 wherein at least some ofthe data files
`distributed across the network of servers are cached versions of data files from another
`server, distinct from the network of servers.
`
`to
`\6 ¢. (Amended) A method as in claim §6 further comprising:
`reselvin-g'the request for the particular data file based on a measure of availability of
`at least one of the‘servers;
`/‘
`1‘?
`w 6;! (Amended) A method as in claim91/wherein the measure ofavailability is based .
`on one or more of:
`
`(21):: measurement of bandwidth'to the server;
`
`(b) a measurement of a cost of a connection to the server, and
`
`(c) am'easurement of a reliability of a connection to the. server.
`
`~
`10
`l"
`63’: (Amended) A method as in claim éfl wherein the data file is a compound data file
`made up ofvarions component data files, the method further comprising:
`
`for each component data file of at least some of. the. component data files:
`
`(a) determining a data identifier for the component data file; the data identifier
`
`for the component file determined using the given function of the data,
`
`wherein said data used’by the given function to determine the data identifier
`comprises the contents of the component data file; and
`
`(‘6) providing the. component data file from a given one of the servers of the
`networkof servers.
`
`

`

`I
`
`. Emlication ofFarber et aa, No. 09/283,160
`
`,
`I? ‘
`M (Amended) A content delivery method, comprising;
`distributing a setof data files across a network of servers;
`
`for a particular data file having a particular name specifying a location in the network
`
`at which the data file may be located, determining another name for the particular data file,
`the other name inoiuding aldata identifier determined using a given function of the data,
`
`where said data used by the ‘givenfunction comprises the contents of the particular data file;
`and
`
`in response to a request for the particular data file, the request including the other
`
`name of‘the particular data file, providing the particular‘data file from a given one of the
`
`servers of the network of servers.
`
`ii
`\‘1 .
`6%(Amended) A method as in claim 6 ] Where'in at least some ofthe data files are
`cached versions of data files from another server which is distinct from the network of
`v SGTVCI‘S.
`
`ti;
`7})
`6/{ (Amended) A» method as in claim 6/4/fi1rther comprising:
`resolving the request for the particular data file based on .ameasure of availability of
`
`at least one of the servers.
`
`ti .
`31)
`W/(Amended) A method as in claim96/wherein the measure ofavailability is based
`on one or more of:
`
`fie) a measurement of-bandwidth to the server;
`(b) a measurement of a cost of a connection to the server, and
`(c) a measurement of a reliability of anconnection to the server.
`_
`/
`I2 9* ./
`i g
`’“ {68. (Amended) Amethod as in claim>,64"wherein the. particular data file is a
`compound data file comprising various component data files, the method further comprising:
`
`for at least one component data file:
`
`_
`
`(a) determining a data identifier for the component data file, the data identifier
`
`determined using a given function of the data, wherein said data used by the
`
`given function coinprises the contents of the component data file; and
`
`(b) providing the component data file froma given one of the servers ofvthe.
`
`network of servers.
`
`

`

`'
`
`. @Hcafion ofFarberet at, .io. 09/283,160
`
`/ 75"
`99. (Amended) A content delivery method, comprising:
`distributing a set of data files across a network of servers, at least some of the data
`
`files being cachedversidns of data files from another server, distinct from the network of
`servers;
`
`determininga data identifier for a particular data file, the data identifier determined
`
`using a given function of the data,‘wherein said data used by the given function comprises the
`
`contents :of‘the particular data file; and
`
`‘in response to a request for theparticular data file, the request including at least the.
`
`'
`
`:da‘ta identifier of the particular data file, providing theparticular data file from a given one of
`
`the servers ofthe network of servers.
`
`at
`w (Amended) A content delivery method, comprising:
`causing a set ofdata files to bedistributed across a network of servers, at least some
`
`of the data filesbeing cached versions of data files from another server distinct from the
`network. ofservers;
`
`determining a data identifier for a particular data file, the data identifier determined
`
`using a given function of the data, wherein said datausedby the given function comprises the
`
`contents ofthe particular data tile; and
`l
`in response to a request for the particular data file, the request including at least the
`
`data identifier of the particular data file, causing thepaxticular data file to be provided from a.
`given one ofthe servers ofthe network of servers.
`2
`7,6
`, V (Amended) A coutent delivery method, comprising:
`distributing'a set of data:~files across a network of servers, the network of servers
`
`'
`being organized: into .a set of regions;
`determining a data identifier for a particular data file, the data identifier determined
`
`using a‘given function of the data,'wherein said data used by the given function Comprises the
`
`contents, of the data file;
`
`in response to a client request for the particular data file, the request including at least
`
`the data identifier of the particular data file, providing the client with the particular data file
`
`from a given one of the servers of the network ofservers within the regiOn.
`
`a
`fi/
`'
`Iv
`7/2. (Amended) A method as in claim)4 wherein the given function is a message
`digest function or a hash function.
`
`5 W
`
`<3
`
`

`

`' @licationofFarbcr et at, No. 09/283,160
`
`)2. (Amended) A method as in claim jgwherein the given function is selected from
`
`the functions: MD4, MDS, and SHA.
`
`l
`‘
`Ll
`%, (Amended) A method as in claim ;4 wherein the given function randomly
`distributes its outputs.
`
`l
`a
`15. (Amended) A method as in claim§4 wherein, for a particular data. file, the given
`function produces a substantially unique value based on the data comprising the data file.
`
`Lo
`I
`'fi/ (Amended) A method asin eiaimyt wherein a data file may comprise a file, a
`portion of-a file, a page in memory, a‘digital. message, a digital image, a video signal or an
`
`audio signal.
`
`v20
`(Amended) in a system in which a set of data files are distributed across‘a
`7; '1
`network of servers, at'least some of the data files being cached VersiOns of data files from a
`
`source sewer distinct from the network of servers, a content: delivery method comprising;
`
`responsive to a request for a particular datafile, the request including at least a data
`
`identifier of the particular datafile, wherein the data identifier is determined by applying a
`message digest function {MDS to thedata, wherein-said data used by the-MDS function to
`determine the data-identifier is the contents of the particular data file, providing the particular
`
`data file from agiven, one of the sewers of the. network of servers,
`K
`wherein adata file may be a file, avportion :of a file, a page in memory, a digital
`
`messagea digital image, a video signal or an audio »signal,_
`
`,
`2"
`ail/(Amended) A content delivery method, comprising:
`distributing a set of data files across a network of servers, at least some of the data
`
`files being cached versions of‘data files from another server distinct from the network of‘
`
`servers;
`determining a data identifier for a particular data file, the data identifier determined
`
`using a, given function of the data, wherein said data used by the given function comprises the
`
`contents efthe particular data file, and wherein the given function randomly distributes its
`
`outputs; and
`
`

`

`$-
`
`.
`
`Epplication ofFarber at 31,140. 09/283,160
`
`in response to a request for the particular data file, the request including at least the
`
`data identifier of the particular data file, providing the particular data file from a given one of
`
`the servers of the network of servers, said providing being based on the data identifier of the ‘
`
`particular data item.
`r
`‘
`.2)
`25
`7%. (Amended) A methodas in claim}???further comprising:
`maintaining accounting information relating to the data files; and
`
`using the accounting information as a basis for a value-based accounting system in.
`
`which charges. are based on an identity of the data files
`
`2“
`711
`'. (Amended) A method as in claim 7/f'wherein the maintaining ofaccounting
`.
`information includes at least someof:
`
`(a) tracking which data files have been stored on a system; and
`
`(in) tracking which data files have been transmitted from a server.
`'30»
`a
`_'
`. (Amended) A method as in claim 7/} further comprising:
`ensuring that a data file is not used by an unauthorized party.
`
`31
`8'
`
`.
`. (Amended) A content delivery method, comprising:
`
`distributing a set of data files across a network of servers;
`determining an MDS’ hash of the contents of a particular data tile; and
`
`in response to arequest for the particular data file, the request including at; least the
`
`MD5 hash of the particular data file, providing the particular data‘fiie from a given. one ofthe
`servers of the netvark of servers; said providing being based en'the M135 hash of the
`
`particular data flie.
`
`3’4
`'
`3|
`9g. (Amended) A method as in claim yfiirther comprising:
`resolving the request for the particular data file based on a measure of aVailabilityof
`at least one of the servers.
`
`9’?
`37/.
`g/mmended)A method as in claimflwherein the measure ofavailabilityfor a
`
`server is based on one or more of:
`
`(a) a measurement of. bandwidth to the server;
`
`(b) a measurement of a cost of a connection to the server, and
`
`\I
`
`' fly
`
`

`

`-
`a -r/
`-
`) Application ofFarber et al, No. 09/283,160
`(/
`:
`
`(c) a measurement of reliability of a connection to the server.
`
`'34
`$5.. (Amended) A content delivery method, comprising;
`distributing a set of data files across a network of servers;
`
`for apartiCular data file having a particular data identifier specifying a location in the
`
`network at which the particular data file may be located, determining another data identifier
`
`for the particular data file, the other data identifier including; adata identifier determined
`
`using a message digest function of the contents of the particular data file;
`
`in response to a request for the particular data file, the request including the other data
`
`identifier of the particular data file, providing the particular data file from a given one of the
`
`servers of the; network of servers, said providing 'beingbased on the other data identifier
`
`which was determined using the message digest function.
`
`3.6
`86': (Amended) A content deiivery method, comprising:
`
`V
`
`distributing a set of data files across a network ofServers, at least Some of the data
`
`files being cached versions of :data files from another server, said other server being distinct
`
`from the network of servers;
`
`determining a data identifier for a particular data file, the data identifier including a
`hash of the contents of’th'e particular data file; and
`I
`
`in response to, a request for thepaxticularf data file, the request including at least the
`
`data identifier of the particular data file, providing the particular data file from a, given one of
`
`the servers of the network of servers.
`
`3 lo
`yf. (Amended) A method of delivering a data file inia network cemprising a plurality
`ofproce‘ssors, some of the processors being servers and some of the processors being clients,
`
`the method comprising:
`
`storing the data file is on a, first server in the network and storing copies of the data
`
`file on a set of Servers in the network distinct from the first server; and
`
`responsive to a client request for the data file, the request including a hash of the
`
`contents of the data file, causing thevdata file to be provided to the client
`
`

`

`1/"
`
`./"’"
`‘ ‘bplicafion ofFarbcr et a1, no. 09/283,160
`3t
`'
`'
`3‘»
`y. (Amended) A method as in claim)2 wherein the data file has a contextual name
`comprising a pathname including a processor name and a file name, the method further
`comprising:
`
`associating the contextual name of the data file with the hash of the contents of the
`data file.
`
`3%
`§9<(Amended) A method of delivering a data file in a network comprising a plurality
`of processors, some of the processors being servers and some of the processors being clients,
`
`the method comprising:
`
`storing the data file is on a first server and storing copies of the data file on a set of
`
`servers distinct from the first server; and
`
`responsive to a client request for the data file, the request including a value
`determined as a given function of the contents of the data file, providing the data file to the I
`client.
`I
`
`3‘3
`3‘7
`%. (Amended) A method as in claim §J9 wherein the data file has a contextual name
`comprising a pathname including a processor name and a file name, the method further
`
`comprising:
`
`associating the contextual name of the data file with the value determined as the given
`function of the data in the data file.
`
`r
`'1
`9/. (Amended) A method as in claim §4
`wherein certain processors in the network communicate with each other using a
`
`TCP/IP communication protocol.
`
`46
`9 . (Amended) A method of delivering a data file in a network comprising a plurality
`
`of processors, some of the processors being servers and some of the processors being clients,
`
`wherein some processors in the network communicate with each other using a TCP/IP
`
`communication protocol, wherein a key is required to identify a data file on the network and
`
`wherein ordinarily the key is a name or address for the data file, the method comprising:
`
`storing some data files on a first server in the network and storing copies of some of
`
`the data files on a set of cache servers distinct from the first server;
`
`determining a different cache key from the ordinarily used cache key, the different
`
`cache key being a function of the contents of the data it represents; and
`
`K?
`
`V .4
`C;
`
`

`

`2/
`
`' lAppiication. of Farber et al, No. 09/283,160
`
`responsive to a client request for the data file, the request including the different cache
`
`_ key for the data file, providing the data file to the client.
`
`40
`4‘
`93. (Amended) A method as in claim 9%/wherein the function is a message digest
`function or a hash function.
`'
`4 ‘
`47/
`9}“. (Amended) A method as in claim 93 wherein: the function is selected from the
`functions: MD4, MDS, and SEA.
`
`40 ’
`45
`9/. (Amended) A method as in claim 9/? wherein‘the function randomly distributes its
`outputs.
`
`c;
`
`wt
`9% (Amended) A framework operative in a computer network in which users of client
`processors cOnneet to a, content server, the. frameWork comprising:
`a setof content sewers, distinct from the content provider server, for hosting at least
`
`some ofthe data files that are normaily hosted by’thecontent provider server;
`
`a mechanism constructed and adapted to determine an identifier for a data file as a
`
`given function of the contents of a data file in the network;
`
`wherein, in response to requests for a data tile, generated by one cfthe client
`
`machines- the request including an identifier based onvthe» given function of the contents of the
`particular data file, the particular data file is served from one ofthe content servers.
`in”
`'
`rei-
`.
`- % (Amended) A framework as in claim’96 wherein the given. flirtation is a message
`digest function or’a hash function.
`5,5.
`qt
`9i (Amended) Avframeworkas in claim 9 wherein;the given function is selected
`from the functions; MD4, MDS, and SHA.
`
`4‘4
`144
`76 (Amended) A framework as in claim. 9)?!wherein the given function randomly
`distributes its outputs.
`‘44
`1+".
`1%. (Amended) A framework as in claim fidwherein processors in the network
`communicate with each other using a TCP/IP communication protocol.
`
`10
`
`.
`
`,
`
`a7“
`
`,7
`
`a;
`
`

`

`@lication of Farber et 211,210. 09/283,160
`
`yl. (Amended) A framework as in claim ' wherein the data file has a contextual
`name, the framework further comprising:
`
`a mechanism constructed and adapted to associate the ContextUal name of the data file
`with the identifier forethe data file.
`
`’ 1%; (Amended) A framework.as in ciaim 194whereinthe contextual name ofthe
`
`data file comprises a pathname including apro‘cejssor name and a file name.
`
`57/
`1'05. (Amended) In a network enniprising a plurality ofprocessors, some ofthe
`
`processors functioning as servers “and some of. the processors functioning as clients, wherein
`
`some processors in the network communicate with each other using a TCP/IP- communication
`
`protocol, wherein a key is required to identify a data file on the netWork and wherein
`
`ordinarily the key is a name or address for the data file, a method of delii'ering a data file:
`
`storing some data files on a first server in the network and storing copies of some :of
`
`'thevdata files from the first server on a set of Cache servers distinct from the first server;
`
`for a particular data file, determining a different cache key from the ordinarily used
`
`caChe key: for the data file, the different cache key being determined using a message digest
`
`function MDS of the data, wherein said data usedby the M135 function comprises the
`
`contents of the particular data file; and
`
`responsive to a client request forthe particular data file, the quUCSt {Minding the
`different cache key for the data file, causing theparticular data file to be provided to the
`
`client,
`
`wherein the data file may be a file, a portion of a fiie, a page in memory, a, digital
`
`message, a digital image, a video Signal. or an audio signal,
`
`12/?(Amended)A.frameworkoperativein-,acornputer11etWork.inwhichusersof
`
`client. processors connect to a content server, whereinprocessors in the network communicate
`
`with each other using arTCP/IP communication protocol,.the framework comprising:
`
`a mechanism constructed and. adapted to determine a given function of a data file in
`
`the network, the given function. being a. message digesthnctiOn or a‘hash function;
`
`a set of content servers, distinct from the content provider server», for hosting at least
`
`some of the data files that are normally hosted by the content provider server;
`
`11’90
`
`8/
`
`

`

`f.»
`
`Epplication ofFarber et ax, No. 09/283,160
`
`wherein, in response to requests for a data file, generated by one of the client
`machines the request including an identifier based on the given function of the contents of the
`particular data file, the particular data file is served from one ofthe content server's.
`
`‘
`
`44
`5t
`1% (Amended) A framework as in claim96wherein a data file may be a file, a
`portion of a file, a page in memory, a digital message, a digital image, a video signal or an
`audio signal.
`‘
`5d
`196 (Amended) A content delivery method in a network in which at least seine
`
`processors in the network communicate with each other using aTCP/lP communication
`
`. 5/
`C/
`
`protocol, the method comprising:
`4
`for a particular datafile. having a particular name specifying a location in the network
`at which the data file may belocated, determining another name for the particular data file,
`the other name including a data identifier ,detennin‘ed using message digest functiOn M135 of
`
`the data, wherein said data used births MD5 function comprises the contents of the-particular
`
`data file;:and
`
`in response to a request for'the particular data file, the request including the, other
`
`name of the particulardata'file, causing the particular data-file. to be provided from a giVen
`
`one of the servers of the network of servers,
`
`wherein the data file may he afile, a portion of a file, a page in memory, a digital
`
`message, a digital image, a video signal or an audio signal.
`M
`
`Please add the following new claims:
`
`files from a source server L.
`
`tfrom thenetwork of serVers',the content delivery method
`
`, comprising:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`for a particular file, detenni‘n‘ , g a name using a given function of the data, said data
`being the data which comprises the cont
`ts of the particular file; and
`
`12,
`
`a
`
`_ ’3
`
`

`

`
`
`d
`
`i
`
`i
`
`7t
`V
`l
`C? a
`
`determining arname fora particn .
`
`functionofthedata,saiddata.beingthedata hichcomprisesthecontentsoftheparticular
`
`file, the name being determined using an MDS
`
`'
`file; and
`the request including at least the name I
`in response to a requestfer the particular f ‘
`of the particular file, providing the particular data file Com a given one of the. Servers ofthe
`network ofservers, saidproviding beingbased (in the dete '
`in‘e‘d name,
`. a.
`‘55
`1/96. (New) A method, in a network comprising a plurality ofprocessors, some ofthe
`processors functioning asservers and some of the processors functioning as clients,wherein
`
`4 some processors in the network-communicate with each other using .a‘TCP/IP communication
`
`protocol, wherein a key is required to identify a file on the netWork and wherein ordinarily
`
`the key is a name or address for the. file, the methodcomprising:
`
`storing some files on a first sewer in the network and storing ‘copies‘ of some of the
`
`files from the first, server on a set of cache servers distinct from the first serVer;
`for a particular file, determining a different-cache key from the ordinarily used cache
`
`key fer the file, the different eachekey being determined using a message function MDS of
`
`the data, wherein said data used by the M135 function comprises the Contents of the particular
`
`file; and
`
`responsive to a client request for the particular‘file, the request including the different
`
`cache key for the file, causing the particularfile torbe providedto the client,
`
`wherein the data in the file may represent a digital message, a digital image, a video
`
`signal or an audio signal.
`
`13
`
`

`

`i
`
`- Application ofFarberetal,iio.09/283,160
`
`110. (New), A content delivery method, in a system in which a plurality of files are
`
`distribu ed across a network of Servers, wherein some processors in the network
`
`
`communi
`'te with each other using a TCP/IP communication protocol, the content delivery
`method com rising:
`
`
`fer a‘ p" ioular file, the contents of'Said file repres‘entiu‘ga digital image, determining
`a name for the p '_
`icularfile, wherein the name is determined using a given function of the
`
`
`data which compri es the contents 'of'the particular file; and
`in responset liarequest for the particular file, the request including at least the name
`of the particular file, p :vidi‘ng the particular file from a given one of the servers of the
`network of sewers.
`
`
`
`l l 1. (New) A conten delivery method comprising:
`
`causing a- plurality of 1 es to be distributed across a network of servers, at least some
`of the files being. cached version :of file’sfrom a source server which is distinct. from the
`network 'of servers;
`
`
`
`a name, the name being determined using a given
`for a particular file, determ’ini
`function ofthe datai said data used by;
`notion being data which comprises the contents
`
`
`
`of the particular file; and
`
`in response to a request‘for the partio 'lar file, the request including at least-the name
`of the partieular file-causing the particular file 7 be provided, from algiven one, ofthe servers
`of the, network of servers.
`
`
`
`1 12. (New) A content, delivery method, in a syst
`
`
`‘ in which a plurality of files are
`distributed across a network of servers, at least some of'the iles being cached versions of
`
`files from a source server. which is distinct from the network ' sewers, the content deiiVery
`
`method comprising:
`
`
`
`determining a name for a particular file, the name-beingvde’t rmined using a given
`
`function of the data which comprises the contents of the particular fil ' and
`
`
`in response to a request. for the particular file, the request includi
`
`at least the name
`
`
`
`of the particular file,jproviding the particular file from a‘ given one of the s
`network of sewers,
`
`‘ ers of the
`
`
`wherein the contentsof the particular file may represent a digital meSsa
`, a digital
`
`
`image, a video signal or anvaudio signal.
`
`14
`
`

`

`Application of Farber et at, No. 09/283,160
`
`.\
`
`
`
`13. (New) A method, in 'a net‘workcomprising a plurality of processors, some of the
`
`processo
`some proc
`
`functioning as servers and some of the processors functioning as clients, wherein
`sors in the netWOrk communicate with each other using a TCP/IP communication
`
`protocol, wh rein a key is required to identify a file on the network, the method comprising:
`storing ome files on a first server in the network and storing copies of some ofthe
`
`files from the fit I t server on a set of caChe servers distinct from the first server;
`for a partic lar file, determining a different cache key from an ordinarily used cache
`key‘ for the file, the i ifferent cachekey being determinedusing a message function MDS of
`the data, wherein said ata comprises the contents of the particular file; and
`responsive to a‘ ‘. ient-request forthe particular file, the request including the different
`cache key for the file, can ing the particular file to be provided to the client,
`
`. wherein the content. of the file may represent: a page in memory, a digital message, a
`
`digital image, a video signal Vr an audio signal.
`
`114. (New) A content‘dei very method comprising:
`
`distributing aset of files fit)
`the first server;
`
`a first server across a network of servers distinct from
`I
`contents of a particular file to obtain a True Name
`
`
`applying an. MDS functiont
`for the tile;
`‘
`inresponse to. a request for the partic‘ la: file, the request including at least the True
`Name of the particular file, causing the particu ,
`file to be provided from a given one of the
`
`servers of the network of servers, wherein the reg lest. for the particular file is resolved based
`
`on a measure of availability of atleast one ofthe se‘ ers;
`
`
`
`1.15.; (New) A'method as in claim 114 wherein-th measure of availability for a server
`is based on at ’Ieas‘t one of:
`
`
`
`(a) a measurement of bandwidth to the server;
`
`(6) a‘mea‘surement-of a cost of a connection to the server,
`(c) a measurement ofreliability of a connection tothe server;
`
`
`
`15
`
`C
`
`

`

`Application of Father et at, no. 09/283,160
`
`16. (New) A content delivery method comprising:
`tr'ibuting' a plurality of files across a network'of servers, at least some of the files
`
`
`
`being each V c versions of flies from a source server distinct from the servers in the network;
`
`for ap. ticular file,.determining a True Name using a given function of the data
`which comprise the contents of the particular file;
`
`obtaining’a equest‘for the particular file, the reguest including at least the True Name
`(1
`
`of the particular file;
`
`
`responsive to th
`
`request, causing the particular file to be provided from one of the
`
`
`servers of the. network of - jrve'rs‘».
`
`‘1.17..(_New) A content d'livery method, comprising:
`distributing files across a etwork of servers;
`
`for a-particular file having a p ontextual name specifying a location in the network :at
`
`which the, filemay be located, deterrn ing another name for the particular file, the other
`
`name including a data identifier determi ed using a giVen function of the data, where said
`
`data used by the given function comprises . e contents ofth'e particular-file;
`obtaining a request for the particular ‘ *
`- requestzincluding the contextual name
`
`and theothernameofitheparticularfile, 1"l
`
`responsive to the request, providing, the phi icular file from one of the servers of the
`
`network of Servers, saidproviding being'based on th other name ofthe particular item.
`
`
`
`
`'1 18. (New) A- content delivery method, comprisin -'
`
`distributing a set of files across .a network of servers;
`
`.
`
`for a particular file representinga digital image, the file aving a contextual name
`
`specifying a loCation in the network at Which the file may be loca d, determining another
`name for the particular file, the othername including-a True Name,
`a r the file which was
`
`
`determined using» a message digest function of the: data, where said dat‘ used by‘the given
`function comprises the contents of the'particular fiie;
`
`obtaining a request for the particular. file, the request including the cntextual name
`and the True Name of the particular file; and
`
`responsive to the request, providing the particular file from one ofthe se \ ers of the
`
`network of. serVers, said providing being based on the True Name of the particular tom.
`
`16
`
`

`

`~ /
`
`Application of Farber et at, No. 09/283,160
`
`
`119. (New) method comprising:
`.
`
`
`applying an
`representing a digital jim ge to obtain a True Name for the file;
`
`5 function to the contents of an image file containing data
`
`distributing copies.
`.
`image file from a first server across a network of servers
`
`distinct from the first server;
`‘
`
`t
`obtaining a request for t
`image file, the request including at least the True Name of
`
`
`the file; and
`
`l
`
`t i i l
`
`;
`
`ii
`
`3f
`f
`s
`
`(1%
`
`responsive to the request, can ‘n‘g-a copy of the image file to be provided from one of
`the servers ofthe networkofservers.
`l
`WM :3
`,
`1310 (New) A method as in claim’54Wherein said data id