Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to routing and caching systems for reducing traffic and the bandwidth used by decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks is described. The peer-to-peer network operates over an underlying network including first and second network portions. The method includes routing a peer-to-peer message in one of said network portions with an intended destination in the other of said network portions to a gateway between peer-to-peer modes residing on said first and second network portions. The method further includes controlling transport of said message at said gateway to limit propagation of said message into said other of said network portions.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for routing data in networks, in particular packet data routing in TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Application of the invention include routing of peer-to-peer (P2P) network data. A method of controlling traffic on a data network, said traffic comprising payload data and associated signaling data, the method comprising reading a portion of said payload data for a communications session between a first entity and a second entity communicating over said network; determining whether said portion of payload data identifies a type of traffic to be controlled; storing, responsive to said determining, signaling data associated with said portion of payload data; reading said signaling data to identify an attempt to begin a further communications session of said identified traffic type or to resume said communication session; and controlling traffic of said further or resumed communications session responsive to said identification.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for routing data in networks, in particular packet data routing in TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Application of the invention include routing of peer-to-peer (P2P) network data. A method of controlling traffic on a data network, said traffic comprising payload data and associated signaling data, the method comprising reading a portion of said payload data for a communications session between a first entity and a second entity communicating over said network; determining whether said portion of payload data identifies a type of traffic to be controlled; storing, responsive to said determining, signaling data associated with said portion of payload data; reading said signaling data to identify an attempt to begin a further communications session of said identified traffic type or to resume said communication session; and controlling traffic of said further or resumed communications session responsive to said identification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to routing and caching systems for reducing traffic and the bandwidth used by decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks is described. The peer-to-peer network operates over an underlying network including first and second network portions. The method includes routing a peer-to-peer message in one of said network portions with an intended destination in the other of said network portions to a gateway between peer-to-peer modes residing on said first and second network portions. The method further includes controlling transport of said message at said gateway to limit propagation of said message into said other of said network portions.