DETERMINATION OF MIRROR SITES ON THE BASIS OF THROUGHPUT

Here we present a mathematical model that describes the problem of parallel download from multiple mirror sites. Based on the model, we present algorithms for selecting the best subset of mirror sites for parallel download. The proposed algorithm is implemented. Mirror sites enable client requests to be serviced by any of a number of servers, reducing load at individual servers and dispersing network load. Typically, a client requests service from a single mirror site. We consider enabling a client to access a file from multiple mirror sites in parallel to speed up the download. We demonstrate that the proposed protocol can deliver dramatic speedups at the expense of transmitting a number of additional packets into the network. Our scalable solution extends naturally to allow multiple clients to access data from multiple mirror sites simultaneously. Our approach applies naturally to wireless networks and satellite networks as well.