Abstract: Requests for content such as large multimedia files are redirected to avoid congestion and delivery delays on network backbones. In embodiments, user requests for content are redirected from the content provider's site to a network node proximate to the user. The content is served to the user without using the backbone of the Internet. In embodiments, content items are distributed to edge nodes proximate to users by satellite or other system substantially separate from the Internet. The engines for receiving and redirecting user access requests for content may be updated in near real time with information such as content disposition, node operational status and user addresses and profiles.

Abstract: Requests for content such as large multimedia files are redirected to avoid congestion and delivery delays on network backbones. In embodiments, user requests for content are redirected from the content provider's site to a network node proximate to the user. The content is served to the user without using the backbone of the Internet. In embodiments, content items are distributed to edge nodes proximate to users by satellite or other system substantially separate from the Internet. The engines for receiving and redirecting user access requests for content may be updated in near real time with information such as content disposition, node operational status and user addresses and profiles.