Abstract: A system for distributing load between multiple servers where more than one server in a sever cluster receives a request for connection from a client and each server makes a determination of whether or not to respond to the request. Software modules running on the servers monitor and communicate relative abilities of each server to respond to client requests. Each server responding to a percentage of client requests corresponding to its relative ability to respond.

Abstract: A distributed system and method for balancing connection load among servers in an asymmetric or heterogeneous server cluster. Each server includes a load balancing module for determining whether its server can accept a new client request. Additionally, the distributed system directs a client request for data to a server having the latest version of the requested data.

Abstract: A system for directing a client connection request to one of several server clusters associated with a content source. The system has a communication module for receiving a content source identifier from a client looking to access a specific content source, and a data table containing pointers to server clusters associated with the desired content source. The server clusters each transmit to the system information regarding their available capacity and connection quality with the client. In response to client's request, the system chooses and transmits to the client a pointer pointing to a server cluster whose associated available capacity exceeds a first threshold value and whose client connection quality exceeds a second threshold value.