Media streaming system supporting several streaming engines and using content addressing

A method of streaming media content over a network from a media cache node is described. The method includes receiving a request for a media content item from a client device, the request comprising an address identifying a media content item to be streamed. In response to the request, a streaming engine process is allocated to the media content item for fulfilling the request. Based on the address identifying the media content item, a location comprising a media cache node able to provide the media content item is determined and the media content item is streamed to the client device using the streaming engine process allocated to the media content item. Further methods of streaming a media content item and providing access to media content are also described.