System for handling information and information transfers in a computer network

Abstract

The present invention relates to relates to the efficient and secure transfer of information over a distributed computer network such as the Internet. The system provides parallel communication paths between the source and destination. Each path includes a dedicated route point to eliminate intermediate ISPs. Each source is associated with an archive and each route point is coupled to the archive. Upon receipt of the message at a route point the message is copied to the archive and then transmitted to the destination. Message archival and storage of transmission-related information enables data-mining features not presently available using email or a point-and-click browser. Since two messages are transmitted from the source to the common destination across separate and distinct communication paths, message latency is improved and the chance of lost messages is reduced or even eliminated. A network controller monitors transmission results and dynamically re-configures the network to balance loading across the route points and to avoid failures or other bottlenecks in the system.