A context-aware data replication method for SNS

The term social network services (SNSs) refers to the formation of relationships among users through interaction via the Internet and the delivery of services through such social networks. SNSs have become globalized thanks to the development of Internet communications networks. As a result, users interact with friends in different places in the world and form relationships with them. However, such globalized SNSs have an inherent problem: The quality of services provided to users distant from the server is degraded due to the existence of a concentrated data server. Regional distribution and management of servers aimed at resolving this problem increases costs but improves performance. However, in this case, it is necessary to determine where and how to store the data. Accordingly, this paper proposes a method to enhance service performance for users located in different places when regionally distributed servers are used for SNS provision. To this end, this paper will present the major factors of SNSs and propose a method to store and duplicate regional data using friend relations, users' locations of contact, and the number of contacts.