Multi-client/Multi-server split architecture

This paper proposes a novel client/server architecture known as Multi-client/Multi-server (MC/MS). MC/MS is an alternative to BitTorrent-like peer-to-peer systems, single source multiple mirrored techniques, and n-tier client and server protocol. The use of a peer-to-peer resource protocol increases network traffic and impacts all users on the network. In the MC/MS architecture, one client establishes a connection with one connection server, and concurrent data are dispatched from multiple data servers located on different subnets from each other. The data can be dispatched to the multiple clients anywhere on the network, which then reassemble or otherwise process the data. MC/MS distributes the data of a large file across multiple servers without any redundancy. The separation of data transfer from a connection establishment is entirely transparent to the client. It reduces network impact, avoids redundancy of data, and improves reliability of the system by avoiding a bottlenecks at both the server and client sides. MC/MS reduces transmission time up to 82% as compared to the conventional techniques. It also offers much better data transmission time than comparable BitTorrent systems in a LAN environment. This paper proposes a `mission-critical' application as the motivation for this work. The paper describes a design and an initial implementation of the MC/MS architecture, and serves as a foundation for prospective application implementers.