DATA CACHINS ON THE INTERNET

摘要

A method of dealing with inquiries for data-information within a network is presented. A cache, which includes a number of nodes, acts within the network. Data-information may be stored in any of the cache nodes and may be available for a given period of time. The cache nodes are arranged in a hierarchical node tree structure. This tree structure includes a plurality of object nodes, a plurality of directory nodes, and a root node. The root node constitutes the root of the tree structure and the object nodes are positioned furthest out in the tree structure. All data-information is stored within object nodes. Any intermediate levels between an object node and the root node are comprised of directory nodes. The directory nodes and the root node include a directory that covers all data-information stored within object nodes that are located beneath the node in the tree structure and within which object node respective data-information is stored. When needing to transmit data-information requested by a user via a first object node, the object node that has the requested data-information is ordered to send this information to the first object node.