Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide the ability to receive a communication (such as an electronic mail message) using a particular content server within a network. A minimal amount of information is received, such as an instruction set and a basic amount of content information. The instruction set is analyzed to determine references to content stored on a particular one of the content servers, namely the content server that is closest to an anticipated access point for the communication. While executing the instruction set and displaying the basic content information, a request for the communication's content is generated and sent to the content server. The content is received from the content server closest to the anticipated access point (typically the one closest to the requesting node), usually in a streaming format. The content is then displayed for the intended recipient.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide the ability to dynamically route data within a network. The data is received, along with an associated destination list, at a transmitting node in the network. The node identifies a destination for the data from the destination list. The node then references a dynamic routing table for routing information for the destination. Next, the node determines an efficient method of transmitting the data based on the routing information, and transmits the data to a neighbor node based on the determination of the method.

Abstract: An optimally selected group of content servers on a network is selected to intelligently and efficiently handle requests for dynamically changing content. The subset or group of content servers is selected based on anticipated points of access for the content at issue. The anticipated access points may be determined based upon a variety of factors related to intended recipients of the content and/or characteristics of the content itself. Content is then loaded onto the selected content servers, which stand ready to service local requests for such content. The content may be automatically updated after a predetermined time interval. Alternatively, the content is only updated when it has been changed and new data related to the content is available. These updates may involve replacing the content or partially updating the content with only what has changed since the last update.