Distributing data in a peer to peer network

A method of facilitating data distribution in a peer to peer network, comprising:

• maintaining a list of requests within a bulletin board;
• providing a plurality of nodes that make requests for data, fill requests for data and register with the bulletin board periodically at a check in frequency;
• determining which requests of the list of requests to fill based on factors associated with the request, wherein the factors include age, size of the requested data and available bandwidth;
• and
• tracking a performance statistic for each of the plurality of nodes and regulating requests by the plurality of nodes based on the corresponding performance statistic, wherein the performance statistic for each node comprises proper check ins, requests filled and requests made.

A system that facilitates data distribution in a peer to peer network, comprising:

• means for maintaining a list of requests;
• means for storing the list of requests on a bulletin board;
• means for providing a plurality of nodes that post requests for data, fill requests for data, and register with the means for maintaining a list of requests periodically at a check in frequency;
• means for determining a weighting for each of the requests in the list of requests, the weighting being a function of supply and demand for an item;
• and
• means for tracking performance statistics for the plurality of nodes and regulating requests by the plurality of nodes based on the performance statistics, wherein the performance statistics comprise:
• proper check ins, requests filled, and requests made.