Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Michael Shappell

Ravi Rao

Todd R Manion

John L Miller

Scott A Senkeresty

Brian R Lieuallen

Disclosed is a method for efficiently distributing content by leveraging the use of a peer-to-peer network infrastructure. In a network of peers, a handful peers can receive content from centralized servers. These peers can then flood this content out to more clients who in turn can send the content along to others. Ultimately, a request for content can be fulfilled by locating the closest peer and obtaining the content from that peer. In one embodiment the method can be used to distribute content by creating content distribution groups of one or more client computing devices and redirecting requests for content from the server to the content distribution group. A further contemplated embodiment efficiently streams time sensitive data through the use of a spanning tree architecture of peer-to-peer clients. In yet another embodiment the present invention provides for more efficient use of bandwidth for shared residential broadband connections.

Method for efficient content distribution using a peer-to-peer networking infrastructure

A computer implemented method and system enable users to share files in a server-less shared space. By providing access to such spaces via a visual presentation, the system renders content available for access by other group members. Access is sometimes provided through propagation of metadata or other uniquely identifying indicia associated with the shared space to all group members.

File sharing in P2P group shared spaces

Methods that enable real-time communication and collaboration in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network are provided. More specifically, methods for the creation and access of an underlying graph and/or group structure to pass collaboration/real-time communication data and other functions such as the retrieval of node/member and graph/group information, the addition, modification, deletion and management of records (data), the direct communication between graph/group nodes/members, the registering for event notifications, and other functions are used to pass real-time communication/collaboration data between nodes in a graph or members of a group.

Growing community of inventors

Issaquah, WA, United States of America

Michael Shappell