Instant messaging using distributed indexes
US7657597B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L51/043
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of a distributed instant messaging system that uses a distributed index in peer-to-peer networks. A distributed index may be used to implement an instant messaging system in a group of participating peers. The distributed index may be used, for example, to route messages between participating peers, in identifying and authenticating peers wishing to participate, in notifying peers of newly joined peers, and in notifying joining peers of participating peers. In one embodiment, zones of the distributed index may be moved to joining peers. In one embodiment, zones of the distributed index stored on departing peers may be moved to participating peers. One embodiment may be implemented in peer-to-peer networks implemented according to a peer-to-peer platform including one or more peer-to-peer platform protocols for enabling peer nodes to discover each other, communicate with each other, and cooperate with each other to form peer groups and share network resources.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.