Efficient use of peer cache space in large scale file distributions

摘要

A mechanism for providing efficient use of peer cache space in large scale file distributions. A peer computer receives a download plan for a requested file. The download plan specifies a number of peer servers where the file is stored, a minimum number of peer servers required to store the file, and a saturation level for the file in the zone. When the peer computer downloads the file from one or more peer servers listed in the download plan, the peer computer determines whether the file is required to be cached at the peer computer by comparing the minimum number of peer servers in the plan required to store the file against the number of peer servers listed in the plan. If the minimum number required to store the file is greater the number of peer servers listed in the plan, the peer computer caches the file.