Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for transmitting a file. The apparatus includes a file splitter that splits the file into a plurality of message segments. Each message segment includes an address of the destination. The apparatus also includes a file encapsulator. The file encapsulator encapsulates at least one of the plurality of message segments. The encapsulation conceals the address of the destination during transmission of the at least one encapsulated message segment to one or more trusted nodes. The trusted nodes retransmit the message segments to the destination for reassembly of the file at the destination.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for transmitting a file via a communications network. The apparatus includes a file processor that converts a file into N message segments. The file can be reassembled from a subset of any M of the message segments, where N and M are positive integers, N is greater than M, and M is greater than or equal to 1. The apparatus includes a message segment transmitter. The transmitter transmits at least M of the N message segments to a receiver for reassembly of the file after receiving M of the N message segments.