Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for arranging peers in a P2P network. To this end, a request is received from a peer entering the network to receive data content. Thereafter, a latency is determined with which the entering peer is to receive the data content with respect to a real-time playback point of the data content distributed by the streaming source. After the latency has been determined, the entering peer is provided with a plurality of randomly selected peers from which the requested data content can be downloaded with an expected probability depending on the determined latency. Thus, the entering peer is enabled to download, with the expected probability, the requested data content from a selected one of the randomly selected peers having a lower latency than that determined for the entering peer.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer (P2P) overlay network, which comprises a streaming source and a plurality of peers arranged in distribution layers, is arranged such that the total number of distribution layers of the overlay network is reduced. First, the upload capacity of each individual peer is determined and a maximum number of overlay peers to which said each individual peer can upload is calculated. Then, the peers are arranged in hierarchical order in relation to the streaming source on the basis of the maximum number of peers to which each individual peer can upload data. A higher number results in the individual peer being arranged in a distribution layer closer to the streaming source while a lower number results in the individual peer being arranged in a distribution layer further from the streaming source. Thus, the total number of distribution layers of the overlay network is reduced.

Abstract: A system is described which allows buyers to define their preferences and sellers to define their capabilities, then determines which trading points maximize the utility of the buyer. The system suggests trades by exploiting the flexibilities and tradeoffs encoded by both parties, thus providing win-win trades. A second level of optimization ranks the trades with all suppliers, allowing the buyer to rapidly determine the best alternatives. The system allows for rich negotiation spaces and supports continuous, discrete, and range or interval decision factors.