Abstract: A network, such as a computer network, is disclosed. The network has a plurality of nodes and includes a first node for storing pieces of a digital object and having a storage. A plurality of connections are present between the first node and the plurality of nodes. The first node has a requester for requesting one or more pieces of the digital object, a transmitter for transferring one or more pieces of the digital object to at least one further node among the plurality of nodes, a receiver for receiving content availability messages from at least some of the plurality of nodes, and a sender for sending a limited content availability message to at least one further node among the plurality of nodes. The limited content availability message indicates a subset but not all of the pieces of the digital object available through the first node.

Abstract: A method for selecting a preferred cache for the download of digital data from a plurality of caches is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of requesting an address of the preferred cache and selecting the preferred cache from the plurality of caches. The selection of the preferred cache is derived from a location identifier of a client requesting the download of the digital data.

Abstract: A method for the distribution of digital objects in a peer-to-peer network is disclosed. The digital objects are distributed in a plurality of pieces. At least some of a plurality of peers are connected to other ones of the plurality of peers and at least one of the peers is connected to at least one cache.

Abstract: A method for the distribution of digital objects in a peer-to-peer network is disclosed. The digital objects are distributed in a plurality of pieces. At least some of a plurality of peers are connected to other ones of the plurality of peers and at least one of the peers is connected to at least one cache.

Abstract: A method for the distribution of digital objects in a peer-to-peer network is disclosed. The digital objects are distributed in a plurality of pieces. At least some of a plurality of peers are connected to other ones of the plurality of peers and at least one of the peers is connected to at least one cache.

Abstract: A network and method for the delivery of digital data is disclosed having at least one peer (102a) downloading the digital data from a plurality of data sources (102, 312), at least one data monitoring device (800) for monitoring at least one quality of service parameter for the delivery of the digital data and at least one data delivery controller (810) for adjusting at least one of the rates for the delivery of the digital data from at least one of the plurality of data sources (102, 312).

Abstract: The invention relates to a content distribution network for the distribution of a digital object in a peer-to-peer network with a plurality of peers having a peer location identifier and a download client (103a) for downloading the digital object. A of distributed caches (312a, 312b) is present in the peer-to-peer network. At least some of the plurality of peers (102a, 102b, 102c) are connected to at least some of the plurality of distributed caches (312). A private tracker for managing the distribution of the digital object among the plurality of distributed caches (312a, 312b) and a public tracker for managing the distribution of the digital object between the plurality of peers (102a, 102b, 102c) are present.

Abstract: A network and method for the delivery of digital data is disclosed having at least one peer (102a) downloading the digital data from a plurality of data sources (102, 312), at least one data monitoring device (800) for monitoring at least one quality of service parameter for the delivery of the digital data and at least one data delivery controller (810) for adjusting at least one of the rates for the delivery of the digital data from at least one of the plurality of data sources (102, 312).

Abstract: A network (10), such as a computer network, is disclosed. The network (10) has a plurality of nodes (20; 120) and includes a first node (30, 130) for storing pieces of a digital object and having a storage (40, 50; 140, 150). A plurality of connections are present between the first node (30, 130) and the plurality of nodes (20; 120). The first node (30, 130) has a requester for requesting one or more pieces of the digital object, a transmitter for transferring one or more pieces of the digital object to at least one further node among the plurality of nodes (20; 120), a receiver for receiving content availability messages from at least some of the plurality of nodes, and a sender for sending a limited content availability message to at least one further node (20; 120) among the plurality of nodes (20, 120). The limited content availability message indicates a subset but not all of the pieces of the digital object available through the first node (30; 130).

Abstract: A method for selecting a preferred cache (312a) for the download of digital data from a plurality of caches (312; 312a-312d) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of requesting an address of the preferred cache (312a) and selecting the preferred cache (312a) from the plurality of caches (312a). The selection of the preferred cache (312a) is derived from a location identifier of a client (102) requesting the download of the digital data.

Abstract: A method for the distribution of digital objects (370) in a peer-to-peer network is disclosed. The digital objects (370) are distributed in a plurality of pieces (371-373). At least some of a plurality of peers (40a-d) are connected to other ones of the plurality of peers (40a-d) and at least one of the peers (40a-d) is connected to at least one cache (30).

Abstract: A shared resource allocation system for allocating a shared resource amongst a plurality of devices operable to access or use the resource. The system includes controlling means for controlling access to or use of the resource by each of the devices and means for receiving bids from one or more of the devices. Each bid indicates a requested amount of the resource and a price offered for the requested amount. The system also includes allocation means for processing the received bids to determine an appropriate allocation of the resource, and instructing means for instructing the controlling means to control access to or use of the shared resource in accordance with the determined allocation.

Abstract: A data communication network having a number of end stations connected together for data communication therebetween. At least one network interconnect device receives and transmits data packets. The network interconnect device further includes a memory and a processor, each end station and network interconnect device being adapted to transmit data in accordance with a protocol in which copies of a route recording data packet are transmitted along multiple routes through the network. The memory of the network interconnect device is adapted to store information relating to the manner in which route recording data packets reach the network interconnect device.