A network element (NE) comprising a receiver configured to receive a content request message from a client node via a network, wherein the content request message comprises an identifier of a data object, a memory configured to store a content routing table comprising local routing entries for popular data objects, and a content indicator indicating less popular data objects that are not associated with the local routing entries, a processor coupled to the memory and configured to check the content routing table for an entry associated with the requested data object, and check the content indicator for a match between the requested data object and the less popular data objects when the content routing table does not comprise the entry, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to send a route request message to a network controller when the content indicator check returns a positive match.
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