Internet-scale content mediation in information-centric networks

Abstract

Given that the vast majority of Internet interactions relate to content access and delivery, recent research has pointed to a potential paradigm shift from the current host-centric Internet model to an information-centric one. In information-centric networks, named content is accessed directly, with the best content copy delivered to the requesting user given content caching within the network. Here, we present an Internet-scale mediation approach for content access and delivery that supports content and network mediation. Content characteristics, server load, and network distance are taken into account in order to locate the best content copy and optimize network utilization while maximizing the user quality of experience. The content mediation infrastructure is provided by Internet service providers in a cooperative fashion, with both decoupled/two-phase and coupled/one-phase modes of operation. We present in detail the coupled mode of operation which is used for popular content and follows a domain-level hop-by-hop content resolution approach to optimally identify the best content copy. We also discuss key aspects of our content mediation approach, including incremental deployment issues and scalability. While presenting our approach, we also take the opportunity to explain key information-centric networking concepts.

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