On designing a cost-aware virtual CDN for the federated cloud

We have developed a prototype for a cost-aware, cloud-based content delivery network (CDN) suitable for a federated cloud scenario. The virtual CDN controller spawns and releases virtual caching proxies according to variations in user demand. A cost-based heuristic algorithm is used for selecting data centers where proxies are spawned. The functionality and performance of our virtual CDN prototype were evaluated in the XIFI federated OpenStack cloud. Initial results indicate that the virtual CDN can offer reliable and prompt service. Multimedia providers can use this virtual CDN solution to regulate expenses and have greater freedom in choosing the placement of virtual proxies as well as more flexibility in configuring the hardware resources available to the proxy (e. g., CPU cores, memory and storage).