BIDIRECTIONAL DATA TRANSFER OPTIMIZATION AND CONTENT CONTROL FOR NETWORKS

摘要

A method of transferring data objects over a network comprises intercepting a network transfer message with a passing object, creating a unique identifier for the object using a predetermined function, the same function having been used to provide identifiers for objects stored at predetermined nodes of said network, removing the object and sending on the network transfer message with the unique identifier in place of the object. Then, at the recipient end it is possible to obtain the unique identifier and use it as a key to search for a corresponding object in the local nodes. The search starts with a node closest to the recipient and steadily spreads outwards. The object when found is reattached for the benefit of the recipient and network bandwidth has been saved by the avoidance of redundant transfer since the object is brought to the recipient from the node which is the closest to him.