System and method for searching peer-to-peer computer networks
US7730178B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99933
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for intelligently directing a search of a peer-to-peer network, in which a user performing a search is assisted in choosing a host which is likely to return fast, favorable results to the user. A host monitor monitors the peer-to-peer network and collects data on various characteristics of the hosts which make up the network. Thereafter, a host selector ranks the hosts using the data, and passes this information to the user. The user then selects one or more of the highly-ranked hosts as an entry point into the network. Additionally, a cache may collect a list of hosts based on the content on the hosts. In this way, a user may choose to connect to a host which is known to contain information relevant to the user's search. The host selector may be used to select from among the hosts listed in the cache.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.