Maximizing Producer-Driven Cache Valuation in Information-Centric Networks

In Information-Centric Networks (ICNs), caching decisions are mostly driven by request-centric mechanisms. Fluctuations in request rates and cache capacities typically have the most impact on where content would be cached. However, as ICNs expand in scale, producers may prefer certain nodes to cache their contents based on favorable properties, such as topological centrality, closeness of cache locations with respect to consumers, security measures, and service up-time. These factors would impact the valuation of caching nodes. Nevertheless, maximizing cache utilization via dynamic cache valuation is a challenging task in ICNs, largely due to inter-dependencies in model parameters. In this paper, we propose a novel caching model where content producers aim to dynamically valuate cache nodes to optimize caching. The model is built on a value-based utility function that considers dynamic and topological attributes of cache nodes, enabling a dynamic novel caching scheme named Max-Node Utility that aims to maximize caching utility. Simulation results demonstrate that Max-Node Utility outperforms current state-of-the art caching schemes by providing better caching utility, reducing access delay and increasing cache hit ratios across varying cache sizes and popularity skewness values. An outlook on the premise of producer-driven caching schemes is presented in the conclusion, to emphasize future directions in similar caching models.