AOUAAAAAA
`
`US 20030009518A1
`
`as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2003/0009518 Al
`Harrowetal. Jan. 9, 2003 (43) Pub. Date:
`
`
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`PEER-TO-PEER SERVICES
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar.8, 2002
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Ivan P. Harrow, Navan (IE); David O.
`Fleming, Killarney (IE); Frank X.
`Daly, Killiney (IE); Dermot E. Honan,
`Leixlip (E); Martin G. Curley,
`Maynooth (IE)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
`12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SEVENTH
`FLOOR
`LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 (US)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/303,706,filed on Jul.
`6, 2001.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Tint. C07 eeeeecceceeeeeceesnteeeeeeeneeseenneeees GO6F 15/16
`(SV)
`(52) US. Che eee cecseesssnesenessnesenessnessesessnes 709/203
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, CA
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/095,323
`
`Amethod and apparatus for peer-to-peer services have been
`described.
`
`WebServer
`
`
`422
`
`internet
`
`
`418
`
`416
`
`—_
`
`a 400
`
`“18
`\
`
`
`
`
`
`Directory Server
`402
`
`
`
`
`
`Client A
`404-A
`
`Client D
`
`Client B
`404-D
`
`Client P
`
`404-P
`
`404-B
`
`Client C
`
`404-C
`
`Dr. Tim A. Williams
`
`
`
`Exhibit_1080
`Data Co Exhibit 1080
` Data Co Exhibit 1080
`
`|Data Cov. Bright Data
`11/3/2022
`Data Co v. Bright Data
`IPR2022-0013(cid:24)
`IPR2022-00135
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 1 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`100x
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`(Prior Art)
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 2 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`200
`y
`
`202
`
`230
`
`232
`
`210
`
`208
`
`206
`
`204
`
`FIG.2(PriorArt)
`
`229
`
`228
`
`226
`
`224
`
`222
`
`220
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 3 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`& 300
`
`Directory Server
`302
`
`310 —~
`
`
`
`Client P
`
`304-P
`
`
`
`
`304-A
` Client D
`
`304-D
`304-B Cae)
`
`Client A
`
`314
`
`Client B
`
`304-C
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 4 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`a- 400
`
` Web Server
`
`422
`
` Internet
`418
`
`
`
`
`
`
`~~ 412
`
`
`
` Client D
`
`
`404-D
`
`Client P
`
`404-P
`
`Client A
`
`404-A
`
`Client B
`
`404-B
`
`Client C
`
`404-C
`
`FIG. 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 5 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`a 500
`
`522
`
` File Server
`
`Directory Server
`502
`
`512 ——
`
`
`Client P
`
`504-P
`
`514
`
`Client D
`
`
`
`504-D
`
`Client A
`504-A
`
`Client B
`
`504-B
`
`Client C
`
`504-C
`
`FIG. 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 6 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`Directory Server
`602
`
`a 600
`
`Client P
`
`604-P
`
`Client D
`
`604-D
`
`
`
`
`604-B
`
`Client A
`
`604-A
`
`612
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Client B
`
`Client C
`
`604-C
`
`FIG. 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 7 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`0OL-¥
`
`2°Sld
`
`XNV-902
`
`NNv-902
`
`Leen ee ne en ee eee em ee enn
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 8 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`User launches
`
`
`SLS from Start
`
`
`Menu Shortcut
`
`
`Read Local
`is user on
`
`
`network?
`Database
`
`
`
`
`| Gonnect to Share
`
`and Learn Website
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Launch SLSin
`offline mode
`
`(2)
`
`FIG. 8A
`
`
`
`
`
`how to update
`database?
`
`Download new
`
`havethe latest
`copoononts to
`
`0
`nents?
`
`
`components
`user's PC
`
`
`exist in the
`
`
`
`Create an entry in
`the Users table fo
`the user's ID
`
`
`
`Ate the lates
`
`Issue warning and|
`anti-virus files
`
`
`present?
`
`
`
`
`Identify user's
`
`
`subnet & matchta
`
`
`site.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Update subnetin
` Has the user's
`Users table.if
`
`different site, update
`ubnet changed?
`
`
`content location
`
`ts the local
`Create directory and
`
`share on c:\ drive
`share created?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 9 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`
`Is the
`
`
`
`Update
`sharename
`
`
`
`sharename field in
`sameas thatip
`Users table
`
`
`DB?
`
`
`
`
`Are the share
`
`permissions
`correct?
`
`
`N
`
`Update
`permissions on
`
`local share
`
`Database
`Sync Filelndex
`
`N
`
`Sync Modules
`
`Get Table Sync
`value from
`
`
`$ value same as
`local DB value?
`
`
`
`¥
`
`
`
`ls the eLearning
` player up to date?
`
`
`Y
`
`
`
`
`Update eLearning
`player
`
`
`
`
`Is the SLS
`hortcut present?
`
`
`Create SLS
`shortcut
`
`Open main SLS
`webpage
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 10 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`Select File
`
` the file
`
`local on the
`
`client?
`
`©)
`
`
`
`Lookup User's Site
`Query forfile
`on local site
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Query in turn each
`
`
`
`
`
`
`site on search fist
`ts the file on
`
`he local site?
`until site with file is
`
`found
`
`
`
`Build list of PCs
`
`
`withfile.
`
`
`Checkeach PC in
`turn until found.
`
` ts the file
`available?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Return an
`estimated
`download time to
`the user and
`prompt for action
`
`
`
`FIG. 9A
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 11 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`CopyFile to local
`
`share and update
`
`database as to
`new location
`
`availability
`
`
`
`Schedule
`Download and
`
`
`
`Sownload and Run Now?
`Download Later
`Run Later
`
`download to
`
`
`
`Download and Run Later?
`happenat a later
`
`
`Schedule for later download?
`time.
`
`
`
`
`
`Download &
`Run Now
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CopyFile to local
`share.
`
`Update Database
`
`as to new
`‘ocation
`
`
`availability
`
`
`
`
` DecompressFile
`to temp directory
`
`
`
`
`
`OpenFile in SLS
`or launch player
`forfile
`
`
`FIG. 9B
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 12 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`e907fay|
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘weiHPS".35"
`
`MeNCog
`
`.
`
`
`
`aepaseGenkpensefe__
`
`ABojoUYoS|UOIoWOpLFE)EE]
`
`
`
`aayjoaagnaexgESB
`
`
`
`
`
`AysuaatunjeuIES)tHnuaasasougESL
`
`soipnysait)FA
`
`ye6a7ES4
`
`
`
`
`
`2°JUR.GHT
`
`VOL‘Dls
`
`
`
`dnyeys32S15JOMAIA[eNIUT
`
`eS
`
`eNOSF
`
`suomyenyBues]eq]ES)
`
`ows
`
`
`
`Jy$0yooaron1apll-ANIL]“EE
`
`
`
`ueWOANNAidoingjawET}wont2-
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 13 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ussyauyEE}iALSNd1002ysniny.:'gesinopaBeniue Ey-E)2
`
`
`
`ajepdnAyuoy‘uacoy
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ALSNGL002Ant_AGojouyge,UopeUUoyUET}
`
`ayepdrAyo:
`
`e807FE)8
`
`
`
`ao1.oaagnaaxgFo}
`
`
`
`esascugRyEl 4|AysaaaturjoyRE}Inuayy
`
`
`
`go}“Sis
`
`
`
`AioBajeoe0}BulsmMolgJayeSTSJOMaIA
`
`aLsnazoozAenmeCOC)@©@[x
`
`
`ayepdnAjauoll.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PRIEOURs-oOppCaIpTkyNOLINOUISSVIO
`
`WO}SedaLoo)Gels
`
`Lodez)AWGBPELobaS
`
`ayepdnAyo
`
`ALSNI00gsequiessg[Cd&
`
`
`
`ayepdyyA|MUOK
`
`
`
`ALSNL00€laquiaydaes&&‘
`
`
`
`TOOLPOLGSWEBIYLAZ1S3)10YOOCIBIONfal~HNIC)Et
`
`TEDLSDVGGLbBZISyroantenLoynetasiaEy
`ALSNaFa0Zfeqaso[ayALSNAED::
`
`ALSNOLOOZequenon[]&&
`
`
`aqendnAun"01gMOAMIBNAiddngfayRepEI
`
`
`ajepdnAUUOspofordaoiiesEE}
`
`WOZOLBawta26§)AZIS
`
` Owe)
`
`
`
`ayepdyAjujuoyy
`
`TaoSlyBNE13BZIS
`
`songjayEy
`
`
`
`
`
`ALSNGb00eaunt&@oanBuraed7equEE}LH
`
`owsEE}Eo
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 14 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`a
`
`Tp
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`O01‘Slspeo|UMOPJOYajij@Hule|asJeyeS1SJOMelA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`[apelinecgBiempvatectavttagecragelaeveALSNaE|
`feaORaes)py2spalogeaseslS}ff
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘gna‘eepdnAmory‘dogyromanyAddngsp1oMhAyYseoyouyooyuogeuOIES)
`
`
`
`
`opy|uecovuscuayEEAL-SNGItongsenfinysoumeyaldsesinoyafiendue7EzEl
`
`
`avonnuepasmougREEl|Ayssaaup)
`ayepdeA|yuoW=-wopdtioseg
`
`
`
`
`eg‘obipywawalyBajoaaynoexgfy)
`Loozr/OloieaiodOMENAiddnseaeElaior:towLEBl
`usurafienGuey]—syyoyoosneHIE)BI
`oapl,ROULGPIASINustcn|»MoanjanyBuseawES}EE
`
`
`ALSNGLoozesninyGFa
`
`
`ONS!HONSTAN,sorsequEJ
`ONS!esa
`
`sosom—oamanuonnquysiaRE}El
`.ons}Hi
`
`je}2
`
`
`
`
`
`oreBe
`
`feuiee
`
`TES
`
`peu
`
`Wes]PUEHES
`
`BEROR:
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 15 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`auewiesauieddsisjueue>jaqurgl”euueaspuediey
`
`
`
`slmlene:
`
`itreiineoeabaneetttAbertineesnark
`
`
`
`
`
`ALSNLoogsniny
`nusyasmougheyEl|]
`
`
`
`peg‘oubipy
`
`OsplASW
`
`ONS!
`
`SNS!
`
`‘Sng‘eqepdrAyjuopy'dnagsaompayA[ddag
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SPlOMABYpsoouyoosworpulsoyu|2}
`
`HoussopnysMIE)
`
`
`yeuno|owsi)
`
`
`oaajanyBumuesayyES}
`
`esate}
`
`
`
`ayepdyAUOW
`
`
`
`ALSNG1002Isnbny
`mondyosegallyMaooyuBoveUFEY:
`
`
`
`reueYay>21:°AqssaauneiEYti|
`
`.|sasinopaSen6ue4KE[5]
`
`
`
`HOYBOITD|agiaaqnoaxgF)*
`
`ysybug
`
`sefenBue]|110xooqejnem-wNE)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`*dleGg6eeLPOLLOOZSis“LogZBne”Arsup10)Hulysie|g
`
`
`“uOsjag‘AgUOsiaagBunzayy
`
`
`
`AILOFL
`
`Loog/P/Ol
`
`
`
`WOAMANUOINCLASIC&-8
`
` reg20AMousuonmanAidenguie3215OIl4:OWEea
`
`ues]punmeyg|
`
`0}‘Old
`
`
`
`peojumopajye@Buynp$1SJomalA
`
`
`
`BEEN
`
`“
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 16 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ALSNA~Loggs9qnusnoy
`
`
`
`JANSSUIBT,LANs1aSATA
`
`
`
`
`
`7AYSUPSmandiialiesjarlomonApddnsayy-AUCHALSHO
`
`A0b‘Sis
`
`
`
`JOMAIASIS@Uluado9aI14
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 17 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`FIG.10F
`
`
`
`ViewofSLSduringFileSearch
`
`
`
`[ CreateDate(mméddAgyy)
`
`Classification
`
`
`
`From:1701fl990
`
`2/15/2002
`
`To
`
`Description
`
`Publisher
`
`ShawaadLeam| Sofware
` http:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Scumewcu
`
`
`'sisFramesetMainhtm
`
`{/shareandlearn2.Jfintel.comnjmaing:
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 18 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SlyAnau©pp
`
`ayyBuyjsixaueajyepdy
` ‘sopniseuiED)fl‘ea)AInponyseyuieqaioNEL)
`
`ayy&a1918q
`
`
`
`
`
`a9onanAiddngaqU|ET3El
`
`
`
`BuyeoubugeoLET}:‘suondoBumoyo)64}JoauopoajagsseoHaye=—AgoouypayuoeuNOJU|ETEliyBAOanynoexge™)iAysaeaqun
`
`DO!“DisqUayUOD@yeIapJO‘
`
`
`.owe)'24$0yooqsyon|apR-NIET}EA
`
`:owsER)1quowwy~nBupwesapyEZ}Fl
`
`
`
`)180.1S7g‘AoBayepJGYsANdS1S
`
`
`,Aiobaye-qnseppy:eesy190)EE}El;5*
` warestl)8:SIU]40}S3/ySY]UIEJUPELoFSUDOHuymaliojayyJoaudBSOOYD‘saf{4roueaauoyesGow)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ayepdn‘ppe0}nuawJaysijqndS1SJoMalA
`
`
`fuobayegsiy)ayajag'pastsa:
`
`
`
`;
`habeas
`‘ApnigpingWEE)
`
`joyEE}al
`.BOBiqWAND-SaNjeAET]:
`
`LET}
`nuaweyw05Eo}
`
` oesweiWP8Ee
`
`
`
`
`
`voA:
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 19 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`
`
`HOlL“Ola
`
`dugpwoqueg“69)
`
`ubiseq
`
`
`
`ed9}MONONGOsY|
`
`seuqy69}
`
`(ubisagdiyg
`
`
`
`(r'aeg‘B-a)/
`
`
`
`Cysanyunjequy6-3)
`
`
`
`GAMppruusyeWoy)
`
`(AMApps3BW904)
`
`$29]FldBAepPy.
`
`
`&
`
`
`
`SecMs
`
`
`
`splayAuiuewasayyayajduos
`
`ABojouyda|vOWeULOYEY
`
`
`
`
`
`spouyayy|WAoUY489g[}FA
`
`yeuiog
`
`RAMOS
`
`i
`
`,’
`
`f
`
`fia
`
`aa)
`
`Sinem
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ramercsSuenedkaeniananctanittininneesnetannasantssonablemeterSAUNAnn
`
`
`
`Yay]‘aUeNesangySSA&1991aS4oAlyayd40}[Uy&AaWAaSKalg
` ik(Guz,
`sopnsaE)aeens||JOYEBI_Inpmseyul ZoneU2YSHOC
`ApmispndWES)&|tc|et
`
`
`poetssrenternLBIB]AUD-senea[E}ie)
`mspies(i)Gl
`
`quaquoomauBulppeayluMSIsJoMal,
`fo
`
`
`SEyy{uOAMENBuuse87[ayET)
`19$75:Atofiayesy:NuaJap’
`
`
`COOPL42)SeLidsowsCa)
`
`
`POMS940300Q@T0NJU)-anyEY
`jayEaeonEE10,
`eggLET
`
`LEZ}a6sealuoqe.dayyCj)EE
`
`
`@sanogABJLODCIYSsapea’]
`alldgalsis]
`
`
`WayUIeWIasaWeJj95/UIEW/WOs"sysreweapurczeys|):cnyFessagphy|
`049romanAiddng
`arySoE-aBuVsSUIEUAOgHET]
`BRETPHORES*(Pui
`
`BIOaannoaxg7}
`
`
`
`AyssaanunjayEY
`
`
`a:a
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 20 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`a- 1100
`
` Web Server
`
`PC 1
`
`PCZ
`
`FIG. 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 21 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`a& 1200
`
`
`
`User raquasis a
`
`file kam 2 website
`
`
`
`
`
`Connect to
`|
`
`}- website in normal
`wey
`
`
`
`
`Connect io
`website &
`download fle
`
`
`
`
`
`Return to
`Update
`client
`
`
`
`database
`location of
`with new
`
`local fila
`Tile tocation
`
`
`
`Copy file fram
`nearest peer
`Jocation
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 22 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`& 1300
`
` Wide Area Network
`
`Directory Server
`
`
`
`
`
`Handheld PC
`
`FIG. 13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 23 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`A 1400
`
`Client A
`
`e
`
`-
`~
`
`Client D
`
`-
`
`Client C
`
`FIG. 14
`
`~ ~
`ao +
`f
`
`;e
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 24 of 24
`
`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`a 1500
`
` Database
`
` Router
`
`Computer
`Computer
`
`Computer
`
`Computer
`
`FIG. 15
`
`

`

`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PEER-TO-PEER
`SERVICES
`
`RELATED APPLICATION
`
`[0001] The present patent application claims priority of
`U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/303,706filed Jul.
`6, 2001 titled “Share and Learn Software”, which is hereby
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention pertains to networks. More
`particularly, the present invention relates to a method and
`apparatus for peer-to-peer services.
`
`[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention a for a peer-to-peer proxy;
`
`(0017] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of one embodimentof the
`present invention as a peer-to-peer proxy;
`
`[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention where a third party is controlling a file transfer;
`
`[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention for backup storage; and
`
`[0020] FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention for router table analysis.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0021] A method and apparatus for peer-to-peer services
`are described.
`
`[0003] Many companies are adopting the use of networks
`for sharing information. The Internet and Intranets are
`examples of such a networks. This information may be
`shared within a company, university, local group, or to users
`around the world, etc.
`
`[0004] As the information shared becomesricher in con-
`tent, such as streaming video, etc.,
`it may place more
`demandson servers, which may lower available bandwidth,
`and slow downaccess to the information on, for example, a
`Wide Area Network (WAN), etc. One approach to improving
`performance is to “widen the pipe” or bandwidth that the
`WAN may handle. This may be a very expensive approach
`particularly where peak or spikesin traffic may be a limiting
`factor. This may present a problem.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`invention is illustrated by way of
`[0005] The present
`example and not limitation in the figures of the accompa-
`nying drawings, in which like references indicate similar
`elements and in which:
`
`FIG.1 illustrates a network environment in which
`[0006]
`the method and apparatus of the present invention may be
`implemented;
`
`[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system;
`
`[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention being used forfile sharing;
`
`[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention being used as a web proxyservice;
`
`[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention where a third party is controlling the content
`transfer between clients across a WAN/LAN;
`
`FIG.6 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`[0011]
`invention being used for distributed backup and storage;
`
`[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention using router table analysis for a network;
`
`[0013] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate one embodiment of
`SLS launch flow;
`
`[0014] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate one embodiment of
`SLS file flow;
`
`[0015] FIGS. 10A through 10H illustrate possible user
`interfaces of the present invention;
`
`[0022] The present invention by providing a capability
`whereby networktraffic may be shifted to another network
`may allow moreefficient transfer of information, data, etc.
`Onesuch example of shifting networktraffic may be shifting
`WAN traffic to LAN peer-to-peer traffic.
`
`[0023] Both a WAN suchasthe Internet and a WAN such
`as a corporate Intranet mayfindthis traffic shifting capability
`to be useful. To better illustrate the present
`invention,
`references will be made to an Intranet, however, one of
`ordinary skill
`in the art will recognize that
`the present
`invention may be practiced on other networks, such as the
`Internet.
`
`Intranets and particularly large corporate Intranets
`[0024]
`are host to, and are sharing and transferring, much more
`information than in the past. The advent of streaming video
`is an example of content which may require more instanta-
`neous bandwidth than the network was designed for. Shift-
`ing WAN traffic to a LAN communication may free up WAN
`bandwidth. If a server based content is able to be placed on
`a client on a LAN,then another client on the LAN may be
`able to access the information through peer-to-peer client
`interaction. This shifting of WAN server based content to a
`LAN client for peer-to-peer transfer allowsfor file sharing.
`
`[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a network environment 100 in
`which the techniques described may be applied. The net-
`work environment 100 has a network 102 that connects S
`
`servers 104-1 through 104-S, and C clients 108-1 through
`108-C. More details are described below.
`
`FIG.2 illustrates a computer system 200 in block
`[0026]
`diagram form, which may be representative of any of the
`clients and/or servers shown in FIG. 1. More details are
`described below.
`
`FIG.3 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`[0027]
`invention 300 being used for file sharing. Directory Server
`302 maintains a directory of where files are located. Client
`A 304-A makesa file request 310 to directory server 302.
`Directory server 302 looks to see wherethe file is located by
`referencing a prioritized list of closest clients with the latest
`revision of the file. The directory server 302 communicates
`the location of the file 312 to Client A.In this illustration that
`communication 312 conveys to Client A304-A that Client D
`304-D has a copy ofthe file. Client A 304-A then commu-
`nicates 314 with Client D 304-D andgetsthe file located on
`Client D 304-D. The communication 314 between Client A
`
`304-A and Client D 304-D is a peer-to-peer communication.
`
`

`

`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`[0028] Thus, rather than Client A304-A having to retrieve
`the file from a server possibly located on a WAN,the
`directory server 302 has communicated to Client A 304-A
`that the file may be retrieved from another Client D 304-D.
`Thus,traffic that may haveoriginally had to occur on a WAN
`has been shifted to a peer-to-peer transfer, possibly on a
`LAN
`
`[0029] Note that since directory server 302 maintainsa list
`of files and locations, after Client A304-A has a copy of the
`file, directory server 302 will have this information also.
`Now,for example, if Client B 304-B requests from directory
`server 302 a copyofthe file, the directory server 302 would
`know that Client A 304-A and Client D 304-D both have
`
`copies. Directory server 302 may then inform Client B
`304-B that Client A 304-A is the nearest client that has a
`
`copy. Client B 304-B maythen effect a peer-to-peer transfer
`with Client A 304-A. After this transfer, directory sever 302
`would then know that Clients A304-A, Client B 304-B, and
`Client D 304-D have a copy ofthefile.
`
`[0030] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
`the file sharing approach may “propagate” files across
`networks. This propagation will allow directory server 302
`to communicate to any requesting client the closest client
`having a file for a transfer. When the clients are located on
`the same local network then a LAN peer-to-peertransfer will
`be possible. LAN transfers are generally faster than WAN to
`LAN transfers because of
`fewer
`intervening routers,
`switches, proxies, firewalls, etc.
`
`If there is no local client that has the file requested,
`[0031]
`then the directory server 302 maydirect the client to get the
`file from a client on a WAN and/ora file server. For example,
`Client D 304-D may haveoriginally placed a file request
`with the directory server 302 and been informed that there
`wasno copyofthe file on a local client. Client D 304-D may
`have had to obtain a copy of the file, for example, over the
`Internet from some remote server. Once Client D 304-D has
`
`a copyofthe file, directory server 302 knowsthis and so as
`explained above, if Client A 304-A then requests the file
`directory server 302 can inform Client A 304-A that Client
`D 304-D has a copy.
`
`[0032] As discussed above, the capability for shifting of
`WAN server based content to a LAN client for peer-to-peer
`transfer allows for file sharing. One of ordinary skill in the
`art will appreciate that by practicing the present invention in
`such an environment, a client based proxy service used to
`redirect data transfers from the network in a peer-to-peer
`environment may be achieved. That is, by redirecting, for
`example, Internet web requests to a more local network copy
`of the file, a web proxy service may be effected with the
`present invention.
`
`[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention 400 being used as a web proxyservice. Directory
`Server 402 maintains a directory of where web files are
`located on a local network 415. Client A 404-A makesa file
`request 410 (via, for example, surfing the web) to directory
`server 402. Directory server 402 looks to see wherethefile
`may be located on the local network 415 by referencing a
`prioritized list of closest clients with the latest version of the
`file. The directory server 402 communicates 412 the location
`of the file to Client A 404-A.
`In this illustration that
`communication 412 conveys to Client A 404-A that Client D
`404-D has a copy of the file and redirects Client A 404-A to
`
`getthe file located on Client D 404-D. The communication
`414 between Client A 404-A and Client D 404-D is a
`
`peer-to-peer communication.
`
`[0034] Thus, rather than Client A 404-A having toretrieve
`the file from a web server 422 connected via 420 to the
`Internet 418, and via connection 416 to the directory server
`402, Client A 404-A hasretrieved the file from Client D
`404-D. Thus, possible Internet traffic has been redirected
`resulting in a peer-to-peertransfer, possibly on a LAN. Thus,
`“local” storage of the file, plus the redirection allowing
`access to the local copy of the file, serves the function of a
`proxy.
`
`[0035] Note that since directory server 402 maintainsa list
`of files and locations, after Client A 404-A has a copy of the
`file, directory server 402 will have this information also.
`Now, for example, if Client B 404-B requests the samefile
`while, for example, web browsing, the directory server 402
`would know that Client A 404-A and Client D 404-D both
`
`have copies. Directory server 402 may then inform Client B
`404-B that Client A 404-A is the nearest client that has a
`
`copy. Client B 304-B maythen affect a peer-to-peer transfer
`with Client A 404-A. Afterthis transfer, directory sever 402
`would then know that Clients A 404-A, Client B 404-B, and
`Client D 404-D have a copy ofthe file.
`
`[0036] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
`this file sharing approach may “propagate” web files across
`networks. Web sites have information that changes on a
`regular basis. As was detailed previously,
`the directory
`server 402 maintains wherethe latest files are located. Thus,
`for example, assumeit is time X, in FIG. 4, where Client A
`404-A hasretrieved a copyofthe file from Client D 404-D.
`Assume next that at time X+10 minutes, Client B 404-B
`requests the samefile. If directory server 402 is aware of a
`more recent copy of the file, it will direct Client B 404-B to
`retrieve the file from that location. This will also be the
`
`situation, where, for example, Client A 404-A has a local
`copyofthefile at time X, but at time X+10 minutes requests
`the file again. If the most recent copy is on Client A 404-A
`then the directory server 402 will direct Client A 404-A to
`Client A 404-A.If the most recent copy is on anotherclient,
`say for example, Client C 404-C, then the directory server
`402 will direct Client A 404-A to Client 404-C for the copy.
`The directory server 402 will direct Client A 404-A to the
`web for a copy if there is no copy available on the local
`network 415. If the most recent copy is on the web, then the
`directory server 402 may direct Client A 404-A to the web
`for a copy.
`
`[0037] The directory server 402 may also have an expi-
`ration timeout feature. That is, after say 10 minutes, the
`directory server 402 may direct a client to retrieve a copy of
`the file from the web server 422. In this way web content on
`a local network would be updated after being on the local
`network for more than 10 minutes. This timeout feature may
`be tailored to the web content. For example, a website
`dealing with word definitions may not need to be updated as
`frequently as a website having current news events.
`
`[0038] As discussed above, the capability for shifting of
`WAN server based content to a LAN client for peer-to-peer
`transfer allowsfor file sharing. The clients discussed above
`were assumed, for convenience of discussion,
`to be con-
`nected to the network for most of the time. This may not be
`the case. For example, portable computers, PDAs, etc. may
`
`

`

`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`be connected and disconnected as needed. One example may
`be a sales office, where the outside sales people only connect
`to the network when they are in the office. Portable com-
`puters may not be connected to the network long enough to
`downloada largefile, such as a video presentation. This may
`be due to a time constraint or a bandwidth constraint.
`
`However,if the user of the portable computer could affect a
`LAN peer-to-peer transfer of the information, the bandwidth
`may be higher than from, for example, a server on the WAN.
`By allowing the user of the portable to select what infor-
`mation needs to be downloaded and having that information
`directed to a nearby client on the LAN, then the next time
`the user connects to the network, a LAN peer-to-peer
`transfer may be possible. Thus, the portable computer user,
`in effect,
`is a third party controlling the WAN to LAN
`transfer.
`
`[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`invention 500 wherea third party is controlling the WAN to
`LAN transfer. Here, Client P 504-P represents a portable
`client such as a portable computer or PDA. Client P 504-P
`may need a file from File Server 522. A request 510 to
`directory server 502 mayindicate that there is no local copy
`on Client A, B, C, D, or P (504-A through P, respectively).
`Atthis point Client P 504-P maydecideto either stay online
`and downloadthefile or direct that it be downloaded to the
`nearest client.
`If the latter choice is selected,
`then the
`directory server 502 may determine that Client D 504-D is
`the nearest client and direct that the download of the file
`from File server 522 be directed to Client D 504-D. This
`transfer (via 522, 520, 518, 502, 512) may occur with Client
`P 504-P either presently connected to the network or dis-
`connected. Whenthe file has been downloaded to Client D
`
`504-D, the directory server 502 has this information stored,
`and so when Client P 504-P again connects to the network
`and requests the file, a local peer-to-peer transfer 514 from
`Client D 504-D to Client P 504-P is possible. In another
`embodiment, the local peer-to-peer transfer 514 from Client
`D 504-D to Client P 504-P may be initiated automatically
`when Client P 504-P is connected to the network and Client
`
`D 504-D hasthefile locally. Again, once Client P 504-P has
`transferred the file, directory server 502 is aware that Client
`D 504-D and now Client P 504-P both have copiesofthefile.
`The device referred to in this section as the File Server 522
`may also be another device, such as, a client on a remote
`network,etc.
`
`In another embodiment, when Client P 504-P is
`[0040]
`connected to the network, directory server 502 may query
`Client P 504-P to see if Client P 504-P has selected files to
`be downloaded while offline. This download list may have
`previously been retrieved from a directory file server (either
`502 and/or other directory file servers).
`
`In another embodiment, when Client P 504-P is
`[0041]
`connected to the network, files resident on Client P 504-P
`may be communicated to a directory server, such as direc-
`tory server 502. If new files, or files modified having a more
`recent date are communicated to directory server 502, then
`other clients will now have access to these files. Thus, for
`example, a portable computer used by a salesperson may be
`used to detail customervisit information while the salesper-
`son is at the customer. Uponreturningto the sales office and
`plugging into the network, the Client P 504-P may send to
`the directory server 502 information regarding files on
`
`Client P 504-P. These updated files would then be available
`via directory server 502 knowing they were on Client P
`504-P.
`
`In another embodiment, when Client P 504-P
`[0042]
`returns with updated files, the directory server 502 and/or the
`Client P 504-P may direct that a local copy of the updated
`files be made on a non-portable computer. In this embodi-
`ment then, the third party control may effect a transfer of
`files so that whenthe portable clientis disconnected from the
`network a local copy is available to the rest of the network.
`The directory server 502 and/or the Client P 504-P may also
`direct that a copy of the updated files be sent to a central
`and/or web server. Thus, third party control oftransfers is to
`and from any source and/or destination. The ability for a
`portable client, such as Client P 504-P to sendfiles to another
`client serves as a backup ofthosefiles.
`
`[0043] New and updated files are not limited to a portable
`client, such as Client P 504-P. Otherclients, such as desktop
`clients, with new files or updated files may also use the
`techniques discussed above. Thus, in one embodimentof the
`present invention clients may use the network services for
`distributed backup and storage. Clients are not the only
`source of content and In yet another embodiment,files from
`all sources, clients, servers, etc., may make use of the
`present invention to effect shifting of content for distributed
`backup and storage.
`
`[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment 600 of the
`present invention being used for distributed backup and
`storage. Client A 604-A communicates with directory server
`602 via link 610 a request to store a local file which is
`located on Client A 604-A on another client or clients.
`
`Directory server 602 informs Client A 604-A that Client B
`604-B and Client D 604-D are nearest and have available
`
`storage. Client A 604-A thentransfers the files or parts of the
`files to Client B 604-B via link 612. If more storage is
`needed and/or a distributed backup was requested,
`then
`Client A 604-A maytransfer files via 614 to Client D 604-D.
`These transfers are peer-to-peer and may occur on a LAN.
`In this example, the client has initiated the backup request.
`In another embodimentof the present invention, the backup
`request may originate from the directory server 604 and/or
`may originate from a file server on a network.
`
`[0045] As discussed above, the capability for shifting of
`content from one network to another allows for many
`capabilities. Reference has been madeto clients, servers,
`WAN,LAN,peer-to-peer, etc. In many cases the benefit of
`peer-to-peer transfers occurs when the clients are “nearest”
`to each other. From a network viewpointthe “nearest” client
`for file sharing, transfer, etc. may not be the closest physi-
`cally. From a network performance standpoint the “nearest”
`client maybethat client and/orclients, that may transfer the
`information the fastest. Thus, all the above approaches for
`shifting traffic may benefit from such an analysis of the
`network. One such approach to generating the “nearest”
`client information may use router table analysis.
`
`[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment 700 of the
`present invention using router table analysis for a network.
`Server 702 is connected to routers 706-A through 706-N.
`Each router (706-A through 706-N) is connected to a respec-
`tive group 706-ANX through 706-NNX. Each group (706-
`ANX through 706-NNX)
`includes a Network 706-AN
`through 706-NN respectively and respective Clients A
`
`

`

`US 2003/0009518 Al
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`through N. Database 704 is connected to the server 702.
`During operation, the server and router traffic is monitored
`to determine transfer times of files. This information is
`analyzed and stored in database 704. In one embodiment of
`the present invention, the database 704 would maintain a
`prioritized list of closest clients for a particular file. This
`database 704 information may then be accessed by a direc-
`tory server to determine how to re-route and/or redirect
`traffic so as to effect the fastest peer-to-peer transfer between
`clients.
`
`[0047] Thus, what has been described are embodiments of
`the present invention for use in such areas as file sharing,
`redirected data transfers, third party control of transfers,
`distributed backup and storage, and router table analysis.
`
`[0048] The descriptions above have been kept simple to
`not obscure and yet illustrate the present invention. What
`now follows are more detailed possible embodiments of the
`present invention. Screen shots are used to illustrate possible
`features and capabilities of the present invention. However,
`it is to be understoodthat these are other embodimentsofthe
`
`present invention and that many others are possible.
`
`one-dimensional
`rather
`is
`Intranet
`[0049] Today’s
`enabling the transfer of information,text, files etc. Intel ®
`Share and Learn Software (SLS) introduces the ability to
`significantly improve the capability and effectiveness of an
`Intranet by enabling much moreefficient transport of video
`and rich media files by shifting the bottleneck for Video
`Intranet from the network t