Optimal operation of hierarchical peer-to-peer networks

摘要

A Network capable entity (10), comprising an estimator (14) for estimating a necessary superpeer number (N * sp ) of recquired superpeers in a hierarchical peer-to-peer network, the necessary number (N * sp ) depending on an actual network situation (L), and for estimating an existing superpeer number (N sp ) of actually existing superpeers in the hierarchical peer-to-peer network, and a controller (16) for promoting a different networking capable entity to become a superpeer in case the necessary superpeer number (N * sp ) is greater than the existing superpeer number (N sp ).