Systems, methods, and computer program products for refreshing data

A computer-readable medium encoded with instructions, when executed by a processing unit, perform an update, the instructions comprising:

• code to receive data from a resource, said data being periodically refreshed by sending a refresh request to said resource;
• code to send said refresh request during a pseudorandomly-placed time slot within a time period;
• and
• code to receive refreshed data from said resource.

A receiver comprising:

• means for calculating an expiration time for data;
• means for scheduling a time period associated with said expiration time, said time period divided into a plurality of time slots;
• means for randomizing a selection of a first time slot of said plurality of time slots;
• means for requesting said data according to said first time slot;
• and
• means for receiving requested data.

A method for performing an update for a first device, wherein said first device consumes information with a known expiration time, and wherein said first device operates within a network that accommodates other devices also consuming the information, said method comprising:

• receiving a request for said information from said first device;
• generating data indicating a time for said first device to refresh said information, said generated data associated with a time offset, said time offset being pseudorandom;
• and
• sending said generated data to said first device.