Parallel access to data over a packet network

摘要

An end user application ( 15 ) generates a plurality of access requests for the same data to be delivered over a plurality of routes ( 21,22,23 ), each request conveying an indication of their common origin to the targeted webserver or other internet application ( 13 ). The targeted application ( 13 ) has means arranged to identify the indication of common origin, and therefore whether a plurality of addresses ( 21 X, 22 Y, 23 Z) requesting multiple requests for the same data are associated with the same end user ( 15 ), and where this is the case splits the requested data, and streams different parts of the data to the different addresses requesting it. The end user, on receiving the requested data, assembles the data sent over the plurality of routes into a single stream for access by the user. Buffering may be necessary if traffic is slower over one path than it is over another.