How Network Providers Subcontract Data Processing Tasks

A method for internet service providers to bundle specific data processing tasks from many users and send them to a third party for efficient handling.

What it covers

This patent describes a system where a network service provider, like an ISP, manages incoming data streams from multiple subscribers. Instead of processing every piece of data internally, the system identifies segments of data that require a specific service, such as deep packet inspection or complex transcoding. It then groups these specific segments from different users together and sends them to a third-party service provider to be processed in bulk. Once the third party completes the task, the results are sent back, re-aggregated into the original data streams, and delivered to the intended destinations.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover processing data streams entirely within a single service provider's infrastructure.
• —Does not cover methods that do not involve grouping segments from multiple different subscribers.
• —Does not cover standard routing of data packets where no specialized subcontracted processing service is applied.
• —Does not cover real-time data streaming that does not utilize recursive segmentation based on historical packet structure.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in using the structure of past data sequences to determine how to segment current data, and then grouping these segments across different users to create an economy of scale for outsourced processing.

Why it matters

This patent addresses the massive computational load on modern network infrastructure. By allowing providers to offload specific, repetitive tasks to specialized third-party services, it enables more efficient use of network resources. It is particularly relevant for managing high-volume traffic in cloud-based communications and content delivery networks.

Real-world examples

• 1.Cloud-based traffic optimization services
• 2.Third-party deep packet inspection for security
• 3.Automated video transcoding services for ISPs