1e Limited

Garth Howell

Sophie Chang

Mick Saxton

A systems management computer is provided, and comprises a processor configured to execute a set of stored instructions that implements a method for receiving data from a server over a first network and for distributing the data to a plurality of computers over a different second network. One instruction is for electing a computer from said plurality of computers of the second network to act as an active download master. Another instruction operates if the computer is elected as the active download master computer and initiates downloading of data over the first network to local data storage. A further instruction operates if the computer is elected as the active download master computer and multicasts, by a multicast distribution engine, the downloaded data over the second network to other computers of the second network.

Data distribution apparatus and method

Embodiments of the invention are concerned with data distribution apparatus, for use on each of a plurality of machines in distributing a set of data over a network amongst said machines. The apparatus comprises: In embodiments of the invention, a first machine is elected as download master and multicasts downloaded data, via a group address, to the networked machines. Each machine receiving the multicast data monitors the data blocks received and, if a machine has received an incomplete set, for example because it came online late or as a result of unreliability, it can access a shared cache of another machine having a more complete set. Such a machine then starts a secondary multicast so that other machines can also complete their sets. Only one machine provides a secondary multicast at one time, to prevent high traffic in the network. While the download master is still downloading, the secondary multicast function is cycled around amongst the networked machines to avoid overload of any one machine.

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Garth Howell