Optimized network resource location

A method of processing resource requests in a computer network, the method comprising,

• (i) by a client
• (A) making a request for a particular resource from an origin server, the request including a resource identifier for the particular resource;
• (ii) by a reflector:
• (B) intercepting the request from the client to the origin server;
• (C) determining whether to reflect the request to a repeater;
• (D) when the reflector determines not to reflect the request, forwarding the request to the origin server, otherwise
• (D1) selecting a repeater to process the request;
• (D2) providing to the client a modified resource identifier designating the repeater.

In a computer network wherein clients request resources from origin servers, a method comprising:

• providing at least one repeater;
• providing reflectors at some of the origin servers, each reflector intercepting client resource requests made to its respective origin server;
• and
• each reflector selectively redirecting client resource requests for certain resources to one of the repeaters.

A computer network comprising:

• a plurality of origin servers, at least some of the origin servers having reflectors associated therewith;
• a plurality of repeaters;
• and
• a plurality of clients,
• wherein each reflector is adapted to intercept resource requests made to its respective origin server and to selectively redirect the resource requests to a dynamically selected repeater.

In a computer network wherein clients request resources from origin servers, a reflector mechanism associated with an origin server, the reflector mechanism comprising:

• means for intercepting a resource request made by client of an origin server;
• means for analyzing the resource request to determine whether to service the request locally at the origin server;
• means for determining a best repeater in the network to service the request when the analyzing means determines that the request should not be serviced locally;
• and
• means for redirecting the client to the best repeater.

In a computer network wherein clients request resources from origin servers, a repeater mechanism comprising:

• means for receiving a resource request from a client;
• means for determining whether the resource is available locally;
• means for, when it is determined that the resource is not available locally, obtaining the resource from an origin server;
• and
• means for providing the resource to the client.