| 摘要 |
<p>There is disclosed a method of supplying streams of data (60) via a data communication network (10) to a user apparatus (50). The data communication network (10 20) includes data supply nodes (S1 to S8) distributed therein. The streams of data (60) correspond to data blocks stored amongst the data supply nodes (S1 to S6). The method includes steps of: (a) sending into the network (10, 20) requests (610) for determining a distribution of the data blocks amongst the data supply nodes (S1 to S6); (b) receiving responses (610) generated in response to receipt of the requests, the responses being operable to convey information indicative of the distribution; (c ) generating quota data (QCD) for a subset of the data supply nodes (S1 to S6) for use in supplying the data blocks, the quota data including instructions to supply to the user apparatus (50) the data blocks from the subset of data supply nodes (S 1 to S6) at least partially in proportion to the distribution; (d) communicating the quota data to the subset of data supply nodes for instructing the subset of data supply nodes to supply their respective data blocks as specified in said quota data; and (e) receiving the requested data blocks at the user apparatus (50) for user (670) consumption thereat.</p> |
