System and method for storing/caching, searching for, and accessing data

摘要

A system for persistently maintaining data using a network for data packets is provided. The system includes a transmission medium associated with the network, a plurality of switches operatively connected to the transmission medium. Each switch has an intelligent network controller adapted for delivering the data packets to a device operatively connected to the intelligent network controller in response to a request for the data packets from the device and further adapted for re-transmitting unexpired data packets over the network.