Abstract: Delivering information over a distribution network is disclosed. A first assignment of one or more sources peers in the distribution network is sent to a source peer in the distribution network. At least one of a change in a network condition and a policy change is detected. It is determined that at least one modification should be made to the first assignment. A second assignment of one or more source peers in the distribution network is sent to the source peer.

Abstract: Delivering information over a distribution network using a distribution manager is disclosed. A first source peer is designated at the distribution manager to function as a first content source for a first destination peer. A second source peer is designated at the distribution manager to function as a second content source for a second destination peer. The designation at the distribution manager of the second source peer to function as a second content source for the second destination peer is dependent on an anticipated effect of the designation at the distribution manager of the first content source for the first destination peer.

Abstract: Distributing information over a network is disclosed. Nodes are grouped into regions. Preferred nodes are designated. A source of content to be delivered to a preferred node using a preferred algorithm is indicated to at least one preferred node. At least one common node is assigned the preferred node as a relay of information.

Abstract: Facilitating the distribution of content is disclosed. A request for content is received from a requesting peer. A peer type of the requesting peer is determined. Determining the peer type of the requesting peer includes determining whether the requesting peer is a regular peer or a lightweight peer. A regular peer is one that is able to accept incoming connection requests and initiate connections. A lightweight peer is one that has less functionality than the regular peer.

Abstract: Tracking distribution of content is disclosed. A path of a data transfer event associated with content distribution is discovered. The transfer path is predetermined at least in part by a third party and includes a plurality of network components. Information related to the data transfer event is associated with each of the plurality of network components. The information associated with each network component is recorded.

Abstract: Delivering information over a distribution network using a distribution manager is disclosed. A first assignment of one or more sources peers in the distribution network is sent to a destination peer in the distribution network. At least one of a change in a network condition and a policy change is detected. It is determined that at least one modification should be made to the first assignment. A second assignment of one or more source peers in the distribution network is sent to the destination peer.

Abstract: Distributing information over a network is disclosed. Nodes are grouped into regions. Preferred nodes are designated. A source of content to be delivered to a preferred node using a preferred algorithm is indicated to at least one preferred node. At least one common node is assigned the preferred node as a relay of information.

Abstract: Delivering content in a content delivery network is disclosed. A request to retrieve digital content is received from a first client. A second client known to have the digital content and known to be capable of serving the content at the time of the request is selected. The second client is chosen from a plurality of clients in one or more service provider networks. The service provider networks have granted permission to the content delivery network to use the second client's uplink bandwidth. The second client is instructed to serve the digital content to the first client in a data transfer. Information associated with the data transfer event is recorded for use in financial settlement between the content delivery network with the network service provider whose uplink bandwidth was utilized by the second client.

Abstract: Distributing information over a network is disclosed. Nodes are grouped into regions. Preferred nodes are designated. A source of content to be delivered to a preferred node using a preferred algorithm is indicated to at least one preferred node. At least one common node is assigned the preferred node as a relay of information.

Abstract: Tracking distribution of content is disclosed. A path of a data transfer event associated with content distribution is discovered, wherein the transfer path is predetermined at least in part by a third party and wherein the path of transfer includes a plurality of network components. Information related to the data transfer event is associated with each of the plurality of network components. The information associated with each network component is recorded.

Abstract: Facilitating the distribution of content is disclosed. A request for content is received from a requesting peer. A peer type compatibility criteria is applied to an allocation process that allocates at least one sending peer to deliver the content to the requesting peer. The peer type compatibility criteria ensures that a lightweight peer is paired with a regular peer.

Abstract: Facilitating the distribution of content is disclosed. A request for content is received from a requesting peer. A peer type compatibility criteria is applied to an allocation process that allocates at least one sending peer to deliver the content to the requesting peer. The peer type compatibility criteria ensures that a lightweight peer is paired with a regular peer.

Abstract: Delivering information over a distribution network using a distribution manager is disclosed. A first source peer is designated at the distribution manager to function as a first content source for a first destination peer. A second source peer is designated at the distribution manager to function as a second content source for a second destination peer. The designation at the distribution manager of the second source peer to function as a second content source for the second destination peer is dependent on an anticipated effect of the designation at the distribution manager of the first content source for the first destination peer.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling routing of data over multiple networks. Accordingly, a system and method are provided for routing data between a first point and a second point. The method comprises passively monitoring at least one data flow characteristic associated with a data flow on a first path, comparing the at least one data flow characteristic, associated with the data flow on the first path, to an associated data flow requirement of a policy, switching the data flow to a second path if the at least one data flow requirement is not met, passively monitoring at least one data flow characteristic associated with the data flow on the second path, and comparing the at least one data flow characteristic associated with the data flow on the second path with the associated data flow requirement of the policy.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling routing of data over multiple networks. Accordingly, a system and method are provided for routing data between a first point and a second point. The method comprises passively monitoring at least one data flow characteristic associated with a data flow on a first path, comparing the at least one data flow characteristic, associated with the data flow on the first path, to an associated data flow requirement of a policy, switching the data flow to a second path if the at least one data flow requirement is not met, passively monitoring at least one data flow characteristic associated with the data flow on the second path, and comparing the at least one data flow characteristic associated with the data flow on the second path with the associated data flow requirement of the policy.