Abstract:
Systems, methods, apparatus, and software for transitional caching in content delivery networks includes edge cache nodes configured to receive and reply to content requests. Content can be cached in edge cache nodes before receiving user requests or retrieved from an origin server. A transitional cache node array is configured to receive content requests from edge cache nodes and to receive original content from edge cache nodes and/or origin servers, as well as to modify original content to generate modified content. Modified content can include re-written original content (e.g., translations), transcoded data (e.g., video), compressed or otherwise adjusted data (e.g., images), and transformed files (e.g., CSS and JavaScript files), among others. In addition to assisting with original and modified content flow to end users, transitional caching also can assist in threat detection and mitigation within a CDN, helping to protect the network, origin servers and the like.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application hereby claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/234,320, titled “ASSESSING CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK TARGET CONTENT CONSUMPTION,” filed Sep. 29, 2015, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Aspects of the disclosure are related to the field of content delivery networks and the like. 
       TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Network-provided content, such as Internet web pages and the like, are typically served to end users via networked computer systems. End user requests for network content are processed and the content is responsively provided over various network links. These networked computer systems can include origin or hosting servers that originally host network content, such as web servers for hosting a news website. However, computer systems consisting solely of individual content origins or hosts can become overloaded and slow due to frequent requests of content by end users. 
         [0004]    Content delivery networks (CDNs) add a layer of caching between content providers&#39; original servers and end users. Content delivery networks typically have multiple distributed cache nodes that provide end users with faster access to content. When an end user requests content, such as a web page, the request is handled by a cache node that is configured to respond to the end user request (e.g., instead of an origin server). Specifically, when an end user directs a content request to a given origin server, the domain name system (DNS) resolves to a cache node (frequently the node is selected as an optimized server) instead of the origin server and the cache node handles that request. 
         [0005]    Thus a cache node acts as a proxy or cache for one or more origin servers. Various types of origin server content can be cached in the content delivery network&#39;s various cache nodes. When all or a portion of the requested content has not been cached by a cache node, that cache node typically requests the relevant content (or portion thereof) from the appropriate origin server(s) on behalf of the end user. 
       OVERVIEW 
       [0006]    Various implementations of assessing target content consumption in a content delivery network include selecting, identifying and/or defining target content and reference content. Such content can be defined by identifying URLs or other identifying data or information. Moreover, reference content can include pre-configured and/or pre-defined categories. Target content consumption data and reference content consumption data are collected and, if necessary, processed to permit comparisons of the target content consumption and reference content consumption. Such comparisons can yield useful information regarding CDN utilization, content delivery within the CDN, content traffic, and the effectiveness of advertising and other methods of promoting content. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the views. While multiple embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a communication system. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a method of operation of a content delivery system. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a non-limiting example of a content consumption data collection and processing unit. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a non-limiting example of a user interface. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a non-limiting example of a user interface. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a non-limiting example of a user interface. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a non-limiting example of an administration console or other user interface that provides relative content consumption, traffic and/or other metrics, data and/or information in a graphical depiction. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Network content such as web content typically comprises text, hypertext markup language (HTML) pages, pictures, digital media content, video, audio, code, scripts, and/or other content viewable on and rendered by an end user device in a browser or other specialized application. Such network-provided content, such as Internet web pages and the like, is typically served to end users via networked computer systems that provide requested content over various network links. A content delivery network (a “CDN”) is an example of such a networked computer system. 
         [0016]    Content delivery networks employ edge cache nodes that are configured to respond to end user requests for content (e.g., a web page) by sending the web page&#39;s “primary resource” (e.g., a hypertext mark-up language (HTML) file, such as XHTML or HTML5 files and the like) to an end user device&#39;s web browser, which “loads” (or “renders” or “parses”) the web page in accordance with an appropriate standard (e.g., the HTML5 specification) and/or model (e.g., the Document Object Model (DOM) that organizes the nodes of a document (web page) in a tree structure known as a DOM tree). Web browsers identify and organize the various elements of a web page to generate the page displayed on a user&#39;s device. 
         [0017]    Implementations herein can be used to assess target content consumption in a content delivery network. Such implementations allow administrative users (i.e., an “admin users”) such as content providers to evaluate content demand, delivery and traffic relative to selected reference content traffic and related metrics. Such evaluations of relative CDN traffic and content consumption can provide origin servers and other participants in a CDN with important information regarding utilization of content, utilization of servers, geographic distribution of content, and other measurements that enable enhanced deployment of resources and the development and updating of content. Such evaluations can be implemented using data regarding the consumption of particular content of interest (“target content”) and data regarding the consumption of one or more content sources used for comparison purposes (“reference content”). Implementations include the identification of one or more target content sources and the identification of one or more reference content sources, then collecting data relating to the consumption of content from the identified sources, and finally comparing the collected data in one or more of a variety of ways to yield metrics, measurements and other useful data and information about the relative performance of the target content source(s) as compared to the reference content source(s) selected. 
         [0018]    A target content source can be defined by designating one or more URLs that are used by end users to request target content, or by any other means that allows designation and/or definition of content whose consumption (i.e., delivery to an end user requesting the content) can be logged or otherwise tracked in a content delivery network. Use of URLs allows content to be defined without regard to the storage location of the target content within the content delivery network. For example, target content may include certain web pages and the like that can be stored in an origin server, a CDN content node, or any other storage location that can be found via end user requests that can be resolved by a domain name system (DNS) or other content-locating service or function. In addition to identifying the locator, source and/or location of the target content, target-defining criteria can include time definitions so that collection of target content consumption data is limited to prescribed time frames. In some implementations the relative comparisons and resulting metrics, measurements, etc. can be provided to an admin user in real time, thus permitting continuous monitoring of such data and information. 
         [0019]    Like a target content source, a reference content source can be defined by identifying one or more URLs and by optionally establishing limits on the time period during which reference content consumption data is collected. In addition to permitting admin user definition of reference content, in some implementations, one or more reference content sources can be pre-defined or pre-configured so that defining a reference content source can be accomplished via a selection from a menu or other listing of categories or other reference identifications. For example, if automotive industry content is of interest for server utilization, content deployment, advertising, regulatory, safety, or other reasons, then a content delivery network might offer a reference content category for the automotive industry within which could be available selections for “Automotive Industry—Worldwide,” “Automotive Industry—United States,” “Automotive Industry—Europe,” “Automotive Industry—Trucks,” “Automotive Industry—Hybrid Vehicles,” so as to provide various reference content sources relating to that industry. 
         [0020]    Reference content can also be defined in other ways. For example, reference-defining criteria can be utilized to permit an admin user to identify URLs and/or other reference-content-defining criteria by populating input fields in a graphical user interface (GUI) and/or other user interface. Other non-limiting examples of reference-content-defining criteria can include one or more of the following: industry definition, network segment definition, geographic definition, IP address definition, reference content time definition, URL definition, content type definition, subject matter definition. 
         [0021]    Using the automotive industry field as an example, the target content may be a manufacturer&#39;s content pertaining to specific vehicle models or types (e.g., trucks, hybrid vehicles). Also, an auto dealer might want to track relative traffic and content consumption in related fields. By selecting and/or defining appropriate reference content, such parties can determine whether advertising is effective, when additional resources might be necessary to meet content demand, etc. In addition to reviewing assessments of traffic and content consumption during prior blocks of time, such users can also review real time comparisons so that adjustments to content and CDN resource allocations can be made on the fly. 
         [0022]    Comparisons of collected target content consumption data and reference content consumption data can be made in various ways. 
         [0023]    The comparison of the collected target content consumption data and reference content consumption data can be of whatever type defined by an admin user or made available by the operator of the content delivery network. For example, the relative number of end user requests for target content can be evaluated versus the number of end user requests for the reference content. Likewise, total bytes of data transferred regarding both types of content can be evaluated. The number of discrete IP addresses accessing the target content versus the reference content may also be useful. Other types of comparisons can be implemented as well. In some implementations a correlation of the relative data may be presented to illustrate some of these comparisons in real time and/or for a specified time period. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary content delivery system  100  that includes content delivery network (CDN)  110 , end user devices  130 ,  131 ,  132 , origin servers  140 - 141 , management system  160  and a content consumption data collection and processing unit  190 —which may be a single unit or device, or may be made up of multiple units or devices working in concert. Content delivery network  110  includes one or more cache nodes (CNs)  111 ,  112 ,  113 , each of which can include suitable processing resources and one or more data storage systems. Each CN  111 - 113  communicates with each other CN over CDN network links. Each of CN  111 - 113  can include one or more data storage systems, such as data storage system  120  illustrated for CN  113 . End user devices  130 - 132  are representative of a plurality of end user communication devices that can request and receive (i.e., consume) content from network  110 . The transfer of content from CDN  110  to a given end user device is initiated when a specific user device  130 - 132  associated with a given cache node  111 - 113  transmits a content request to its corresponding cache node (any number of end user devices  130 - 132  can be associated with a single cache node). Cache nodes  111 - 113  and end users  130 - 132  communicate over associated network links  170 ,  171 ,  172 . Other network components likewise communicate over appropriate links. Content delivery network  110 , management system  160  and log  192  communicate over links  175 ,  176 . 
         [0025]    Content cached in and/or obtained by one of the CNs  111 - 113  is used to respond to end user requests by transmitting requested content to the end user device. CNs  111 - 113  can cache content from origin servers  140 - 141  periodically, on demand, etc. and can also seek and obtain content that is not cached by communicating directly with origin servers  140 - 141  (e.g., over associated network links  173 - 174 ).  FIG. 1  shows cached content  121  included in data storage system  120  of cache node  113  as comprised of content  145 - 146 . Other configurations are possible, including subsets of content  145 - 146  being cached in individual ones of CN  111 - 113 . Although  FIG. 1  shows content  145 - 146  of origin servers  140 - 141  being cached by data storage system  120 , other content can be handled by CN  111 - 113 . For example, dynamic content generated by activities of end user devices  130 - 132  need not originally reside on origin servers  140 - 141 , and can be generated due to scripting or code included in web page content delivered by CN  111 - 113 . 
         [0026]    Management system  160  and its associated components collect and deliver various administrative, operational and other data, for example network and component configuration changes and status information for various parties (e.g., system operators, origin server operators, managers and the like). For example, operator device  150  can transfer configuration data  151  for delivery to management system  160 , where configuration data  151  can alter the handling of network content requests by CNs  111 - 113 , among other operations. Also, management system  160  can monitor status information for the operation of CDN  110 , such as operational statistics, and provide status information  153  to operator device  150 . Moreover, operator device  150  can transfer content  152  for delivery to origin servers  140 - 141  to include in content  145 - 146 . Although one operator device  150  is shown in  FIG. 1 , it should be understood that this is merely representative and communication system  100  can include multiple operator devices for receiving status information, providing configuration information, or transferring content to origin servers. 
         [0027]    With specific regard to assessing target content consumption in connection with implementations within network  100 ,  FIG. 1  illustrates one or more implementations of a target content consumption assessment system, where admin users can include (but are not limited to) individuals associated with various types of parties such as content providers, advertisers and others. Content consumption data collection and processing unit  190  is connected to various aspects of the CDN operation (e.g., management system  160  and/or log  192  via link  177 , perhaps others). Origin server  141  of  FIG. 1  is part of administration and operations  148  that also include an admin user unit  143 , which can be one or more specialized or specially-configured computers and associated apparatus. The admin user unit  143  is in communication with the CDN&#39;s content consumption data collection and processing unit  190  through any suitable means. Implementations of admin user unit  143  can provide admin user personnel with graphical and/or other admin user means for communicating with unit  190 , as noted in connection with various implementations disclosed herein. Unit  190  may also be connected to various other components of the admin user unit  143  and/or other content delivery network contact points in order to carry out actions that are initiated (e.g., invoked or otherwise called for) to assess target content consumption in CDN  110 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates one or more non-limiting examples of a method of operation  200  of a content delivery network implementing target content consumption assessment. Software stored on or in the content consumption data collection and processing unit  190  and/or one or more other locations can be used to implement one or more methods and can comprise computer program instructions, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions having processes that, when executed by a processing system, direct a content delivery network to operate as described herein. 
         [0029]    In method of operation  200  for assessing target content consumption using defined target content, a content delivery network optionally provides a user interface ( 210 ), for example a GUI to provide an admin user with a variety of input and/or selection options for the admin user&#39;s CDN account or the like. The content delivery network (e.g., through a content consumption data collection and processing unit or other input) then receives a selection, identification and/or definition of the target content ( 220 ), for example when an admin user selects a button or other indicator on a user interface or the like (e.g., a GUI, text interface, email), or when such an admin user inputs definitional information describing the target content. 
         [0030]    The content delivery network then receives one or more selections, identifications and/or definitions of reference content ( 230 ), for example when an admin user selects a button or other indicator on a user interface or the like (e.g., a GUI, text interface, email), or when such an admin user inputs definitional information describing the reference content. As noted, in some implementations there may be pre-defined and/or pre-configured categories of reference content from which to select. The content delivery network is then monitored ( 250 ) by having the network collect (and process as necessary) target content consumption data and reference content consumption data. If the comparison(s) being made relative to the target content are for a pre-defined time period, then that can be checked ( 260 ). When the time limit is met, any final comparison can be made ( 260 ) and the operation can then end ( 270 ). 
         [0031]    If the operation is to be done in real time, then ongoing comparison(s) can be made between the target content consumption and the reference content consumption ( 260 ). The operation  200  continues by continuing the collection and processing of relevant data ( 240 ) as defined. 
         [0032]    To further describe one or more implementations of the equipment and operation of assessing target content consumption in a content delivery network,  FIG. 3  illustrates a non-limiting example of a content consumption data collection and processing unit  300 . Unit  300  can be an example of content consumption data collection and processing unit  190  of  FIG. 1 , although variations are possible. Unit  300  includes network interface  305  and processing system  310 , although further elements can be included. Processing system  310  includes processing circuitry  315 , random access memory (RAM)  320 , and storage  325 , although further elements can be included. Exemplary contents of RAM  320  are further detailed in RAM space  330 , and exemplary contents of storage  325  are further detailed in storage system  350 . 
         [0033]    Processing circuitry  315  can be implemented within a single processing device but can also be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate in executing program instructions. Examples of processing circuitry  315  include general purpose central processing units, microprocessors, application specific processors, and logic devices, as well as any other type of processing device. In some examples, processing circuitry  315  includes physically distributed processing devices, such as cloud computing systems. 
         [0034]    Network interface  305  includes one or more network interfaces for communicating over communication networks, such as packet networks, the Internet, and the like. The network interfaces can include one or more local or wide area network communication interfaces which can communicate over Ethernet or Internet protocol (IP) links. Network interface  305  can include network interfaces configured to communicate using one or more network addresses, which can be associated with different network links. Examples of network interface  305  include network interface card equipment, transceivers, modems, and other communication circuitry. In some implementations the network interface  305  provides the communications link with an admin user (i.e., an admin user device) configuring one or more triggers using unit  300 . 
         [0035]    RAM  320  and storage  325  together can comprise a non-transitory data storage system, although other variations are possible. RAM  320  and storage  325  can each comprise any storage media readable by processing circuitry  315  and capable of storing software. RAM  320  can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Storage  325  can include non-volatile storage media, such as solid state storage media, flash memory, phase change memory, magnetic memory, or as illustrated by storage system  350  in this example. RAM  320  and storage  325  can each be implemented as a single storage device but can also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systems. RAM  320  and storage  325  can each comprise additional elements, such as controllers, capable of communicating with processing circuitry  315 . In some implementations, the storage media can be a non-transitory storage media. In some implementations, at least a portion of the storage media can be transitory. It should be understood that in no case are the storage media propagated signals. 
         [0036]    Software stored on or in RAM  320  or storage  325  can comprise computer program instructions, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions having processes that, when executed by a processing system, direct unit  300  to operate as described herein. For example, software drives unit  300  to receive admin user selections, instructions and information concerning target and reference content selection, identification and/or definition; to monitor, collect and process target content consumption data and reference content consumption data; and to execute and report on comparisons of various types relating to the collected target content consumption data and reference content consumption data. The software also can include user software applications. The software can be implemented as a single application or as multiple applications. In general, the software can, when loaded into a processing system and executed, transform the processing system from a general-purpose device into a special-purpose device customized as described herein. 
         [0037]    RAM space  330  illustrates a detailed view of an non-limiting, exemplary configuration of RAM  320 . It should be understood that different configurations are possible. RAM space  330  includes applications  340  and operating system (OS)  349 . RAM space  330  includes RAM space for temporary storage of various types of data, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). 
         [0038]    Applications  340  and OS  349  can reside in RAM space  330  during execution and operation of unit  300 , and can reside in a system software storage space  352  on storage system  350  during a powered-off state, among other locations and states. Applications  340  and OS  349  can be loaded into RAM space  330  during a startup or boot procedure as described for computer operating systems and applications. 
         [0039]    Applications  340  include communication interface  342 , configuration module  344 , and processing module  346 . Communications interface  342  handles communications among and between one or more admin users, one or more other parties, one or more content consumption data collection and processing units  300  and one or more content delivery networks and their components. 
         [0040]    Communication interface  342 , configuration module  344  and processing module  346  each allow interaction between and exchange of data with components of unit  300 . In some examples, each of communication interface  342 , configuration module  344  and processing module  346  comprise an application programming interface (API). Communication interface  342  allows for exchanging data, messages, etc. in unit  300  by modules  344 ,  346 ,  348 , and can also receive instructions to purge or erase data from unit  300 . Configuration module  344  allows for configuring of various operational features of unit  300  based on selected, identified and/or defined target content sources and reference content sources. 
         [0041]    Processing module  346  is configured to process data collected from the content delivery network and to do so, at least in part, in accordance with defined target content and reference content. Data collected can include data and data sources identified in connection with industry definitions, network segment definitions, geographic definitions, IP address definitions, reference content time definitions, URL definitions, content type definitions, subject matter definitions and others. Processing module  346  also can perform any comparisons of the target content consumption data and reference content consumption data called for as part of the assessment of target content consumption in the relevant content delivery network(s). Comparisons can be performed and yield statistic, metrics and other data or information relevant to the desired target content consumption evaluation. 
         [0042]    Communication interface  342 , configuration module  344  and processing module  346  can each communicate with external systems via network interface  305  over any associated network links. In further examples, one or more of elements  342 ,  344 ,  346  are implemented in VCL or VCL modules. 
         [0043]    Storage system  350  illustrates a detailed view of a non-limiting, exemplary configuration of storage  325 . Storage system  350  can comprise flash memory such as NAND flash or NOR flash memory, phase change memory, magnetic memory, among other solid state storage technologies. As shown in  FIG. 3 , storage system  350  includes system software  352 , as well as defined target content and reference content selections, identifications, definitions, data and information  354  stored in storage space  355 . As described above, system software  352  can be a non-volatile storage space for applications  340  and OS  349  during a powered-down state of trigger definition unit  300 , among other operating software. Defined target content and reference content selections, identifications, definitions, data and information  354  include stored data including values, parameters, names, and other information that permit the collection, processing and comparison of target content and reference content. In the non-limiting example of  FIG. 3 , data and information in storage  354  include content selections, identifications and definitions associated with Admin User A (e.g., stored in element  356 ), Admin User B (e.g., stored in element  357 ), and Admin User C (e.g., stored in element  358 ). 
         [0044]    In implementations where a reference content definition unit implements pre-configured and/or pre-defined target content, a library  360  of such data and/or information can be used. Storage system  350  can therefore also include library  360 , which can be updated by unit  300  and/or from other sources of information (e.g., the CDN operator) via network interface  305 . Content consumption data collection and processing unit  300  is generally intended to represent a computing system with which at least software  330  and  349  are deployed and executed in order to render or otherwise implement the operations, methods and processes described herein. However, unit  300  can also represent any computing system on which at least software  330  and  349  can be staged and from where software  330  and  349  can be distributed, transported, downloaded, or otherwise provided to yet another computing system for deployment and execution, or yet additional distribution. 
         [0045]    Various CDN interface modes and apparatus can be used to implement target content consumption assessment in a content delivery network.  FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate implementations of interfaces for electronic display that can be used to set up and execute such assessments by an admin user.  FIG. 4A  provides a non-limiting example of an admin console that can be used to provide a CDN admin user with options for reviewing account and/or other information, content updates, etc. Among the options offered to an admin user on console  400  are selection buttons  402  (e.g., applications, utilities, etc.) and other selection panels  404  (e.g., account history and/or status, billing, etc.). Such a console can be provided to an admin user unit  143  or the like via software. Included in the non-limiting example of  FIG. 4A  is button  410  for “Assessments” that allows an admin user to select a target content consumption assessment application.  FIG. 4B  illustrates a sample target content consumption assessment application console  420  that provides an admin user with the tools required to define an assessment and its components using target content definition button  422  and reference content definition button  424 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a non-limiting example of a console  430  that can be used to define target content and/or reference content. An admin user setting up an assessment of target content consumption in a content delivery network can use console  430  to define the relevant content source using a library or by entering content-defining criteria (e.g., URLs, content type, etc.). The relevant type of content (target or reference) can be selected using box  432 . A drop-down menu  434  can enumerate available pre-configured and/or pre-defined reference content sources or types. A search function might also be available to allow an admin user to locate pre-configured and/or pre-defined reference content. Notes or other explanatory information  435  can be provided for a potential selection on console  430 . Reference content also can be defined using content-defining criteria, for example by entering data in fields  436  (e.g., URLs identifying content sources). 
         [0047]    Finally, the type of comparison or other operation to be performed with regard to the collected target content consumption data and reference content consumption data can be chosen from a menu  438 . To the extent that an admin user needs assistance navigating and completing fields, etc., instructions and/or guidelines  442  can be provided. 
         [0048]    The comparison of target content consumption data and reference content consumption data can be presented in real time as a correlation of data. Such correlations permit content providers to evaluate peak demands on equipment such as servers and end user demand for updated and new content.  FIG. 5  illustrates a non-limiting example of an admin console  510  or other user interface that provides relative content consumption, traffic and/or other metrics, data and/or information in a graphical depiction  520 . In the exemplary depiction  520  there are three traffic flow charts  550 ,  560 ,  570  that represent percentage changes in content traffic for one target content source and two reference content sources for a two-week period (the charts may be provided in retrospect or in real time for a given admin user). Accompanying correlation data and/or calculations can be provided, though it also is possible to discern information from the graphical depiction. Depending on the type of content consumption data collected and the data provided to an admin user, numerically precise and/or calculable information may be available. 
         [0049]    In charts  550 ,  560 ,  570  there are several illustrative points. For example, peak  550   a  in chart  550  shows a relatively large spike in content traffic for the U.S. automotive industry reference content, a generally corresponding spike  560   a  in chart  560  for the automotive industry truck reference content, and a generally corresponding spike  570   a  in chart  570  for the target content provider admin user. This could be interpreted as the content provider benefiting from an industry-wide increase in traffic and CDN utilization. Spike  570   b  of chart  570  for the content provider also appears to correlate with a spike  560   b  for chart  560  for the truck segment of the automotive industry, which indicates that there may have been a truck-related reason for traffic increase (e.g., a recall of a part used in various brands&#39; vehicles, a drop in gasoline prices, etc.). 
         [0050]    However, spikes  570   c  of chart  570  do not appear to have any correlating spikes or increases in chart  550  or chart  560 . This may be significant to the content provider and might assist in planning and/or deploying server capacity, scheduling equipment maintenance, infrastructure expansion (or reduction), etc. In the depiction  520  of  FIG. 5 , spikes  570   a  both occur on the first day of each of Weeks 1 and 2 of the graph, so the content provider can plan to make sure that updated content is available prior to that day each week and can also allocate additional origin server capacity on those days to accommodate potentially higher numbers of end user requests and other communications from the CDN. The operator of the content delivery network can conduct similar comparisons and/or utilize comparison data and information generated by content providers and then can likewise use such comparison data and information to adjust the deployment and capacity of CDN components such as servers, communication interface resources, cache nodes, etc. 
         [0051]    Comparison data and information might also be correlated to other data or information in the content provider&#39;s possession (e.g., advertising schedules, incentive offerings, etc.) that permit assessment of such activities and information that is not directly related to content traffic flow in the content delivery network. 
         [0052]    The included descriptions and figures depict specific embodiments to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple embodiments. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the claims and their equivalents.