Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an efficient peer-to-peer (p2p) system generally includes a server selection mechanism connected to a p2p network. The server selection mechanism may be configured to maintain a list that describes the servers which are storing at least a portion of a specified file. The server selection mechanism may be configured to selectively distribute at least a portion of the file between servers, for example according to the description in the list.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for data transfer according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a peer-to-peer (p2p) network associated with distributed file location index. For example, a system according to various aspects of the present invention may identify a high-demand file item according to communications on the p2p network and store a copy of the high-demand file item. The system may assign a non-random node identifier to the system for identifying the computer system in the p2p network. The system may then respond to requests for the high-demand file item.