Abstract: A method and means for processing information across a network is provided, the network comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the invention includes algorithm means for addressing the problem of efficient information distribution between nodes in the network. This invention addresses the problem by generating probabilistic models at the nodes in the network and by selectively distributing information between the nodes based on these models and by using a predetermined metric function in such a way as to reduce information differences between the nodes. Advantageously this invention finds utility in many applications in both distributed networks and centralised networks provided that it is possible to derive an appropriate tree topology representation of the network.

Abstract: In a partially interconnected topological network having at least six topological nodes, a topological node being a single physical node or a group of interconnected physical nodes or part of a physical node or a group of interconnected physical nodes and parts of physical nodes, each topological node having at least three point-to-point topological links connecting it to some, but not all, of the plurality of topological nodes, there is at least one choice of routing between any two topological nodes, where the choice of routing is either two point-to-point topological links connected in series at another of the topological nodes or a direct point-to-point topological link between the two topological nodes.

Abstract: A method and means for processing information across a network is provided, the network comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the invention includes algorithm means for addressing the problem of efficient information distribution between nodes in the network. This invention addresses the problem by generating probabilistic models at the nodes in the network and by selectively distributing information between the nodes based on these models and by using a predetermined metric function in such a way as to reduce information differences between the nodes. Advantageously this invention finds utility in many applications in both distributed networks and centralised networks provided that it is possible to derive an appropriate tree topology representation of the network.

Abstract: In a partially interconnected topological network having at least six Topological Nodes, a Topological Node being a single Physical Node or a group of interconnected Physical Nodes or part of a Physical Node or a group of interconnected Physical Nodes and parts of Physical Nodes, each Topological Node having at least three point-to-point Topological Links connecting it to some but not all of the plurality of Topological Nodes and there being at least one Choice of routing between any two Topological Nodes, where a Choice of routing is either two point-to-point Topological Links connected in series at another of the Topological Nodes or a direct point-to-point Topological Link between the two Topological Nodes.