Abstract: A peer-to-peer caching system can be utilized to cache a file residing on a content providing computer. The cached file can be stored on a caching computer. A computer that requests a file from a content providing computer can be rerouted to the caching computer so as to obtain the file.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for playing a streamed content object using hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) transport is disclosed. In one step, a first portion of the streamed content object is received from a packet switched network using HTTP. The first portion is played at least partially coincident in time with the first listed receiving step. A second portion of the streamed content object is received. The second portion is not contiguous in the streamed content object to the first portion.

Abstract: A system for identifying files can use fingerprints to compare various files and determine redundant files. Frequency representations of portions of files can be used, such as Fast Fourier Transforms, as the fingerprints.

Abstract: According to the invention, a way for loading content objects in a content store on a network is disclosed. In one step, processing waits for a triggering event. It is determined if a first origin server is authorized to store content in the content store. A first content object is loaded from the first origin server onto the content store without a request for the first content object. It is determined if a second origin server is authorized to store content in the content store. A second content object is loaded from the second origin server onto the content store without a request for the second content object.

Abstract: According to the invention, a content exchange apparatus for cacheing content objects is disclosed. Included in the content exchange apparatus are a content store, a content tracker, an origin server database, and a catalog of content objects. The content store includes a plurality of content objects. A determination is made by the content tracker determines as to which content objects are stored in the content store. The origin server database includes a list of origin servers associated with the content exchange. The catalog of content objects stored in the content store is maintained.