Abstract: Candidate nodes for live streaming services are provided and selected. A candidate nodes list for live streaming services is provided. The method includes collecting information of each node involved in the live streaming services; based on the collected information, calculating progress factors of each node; comparing the collected information of each node with load thresholds; sorting the nodes, the collected information of which are below the load thresholds, on the basis of the calculated progress factors; and forming the candidate nodes list by a number N of first N nodes of the sorted nodes. The candidate node for live streaming services may also be selected by: based on information involved in the live streaming services, calculating progress factors; reporting the calculated progress factors and requesting for candidate nodes list; selecting a candidate node from the candidate nodes list according to delay requirements and overlay policies of the live streaming services.

Abstract: Candidate nodes for live streaming services are provided and selected. A candidate nodes list for live streaming services is provided. The method includes collecting information of each node involved in the live streaming services; based on the collected information, calculating progress factors of each node; comparing the collected information of each node with load thresholds; sorting the nodes, the collected information of which are below the load thresholds, on the basis of the calculated progress factors; and forming the candidate nodes list by a number N of first N nodes of the sorted nodes. The candidate node for live streaming services may also be selected by: based on information involved in the live streaming services, calculating progress factors; reporting the calculated progress factors and requesting for candidate nodes list; selecting a candidate node from the candidate nodes list according to delay requirements and overlay policies of the live streaming services.

Abstract: A server cluster is described, which enables load balancing between servers in the cluster. At least some of the servers in the cluster are divided into a plurality of virtual servers, wherein each virtual server is associated with a neighbouring server, which neighbouring server acts as a backup for that virtual server. The neighbouring server of each virtual server of a particular server is part of a different physical server to the virtual server, such that in the event that a physical server is unavailable for use, the load of the virtual servers of that physical server is split between a number of different physical servers, thereby reducing the likelihood of overloading any particular physical server.