ROUTING UNDER HEAVY LOADING

摘要

A delivery network includes a network outlet, an interface and routing function. The network outlet is coupled to a plurality of full-route networks, each capable of delivering content objects to a plurality of terminal networks. End-user computers can be coupled to terminals of the terminal networks. The interface receives content objects for delivery to the plurality of computers. Two modes of a routing function route content objects based upon a first route path from the network outlet to the terminal network and a second route path from the network outlet to the terminal network. The first route path is chosen based upon delivery efficiency and switching from the first mode to the second mode is triggered when the first route path reaches a predetermined use-level of use. The first and second route patents are different and the second route path is less efficient than the first route path.