LOAD BALANCING DISTRIBUTION OF DATA TO MULTIPLE RECIPIENTS ON A PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK

Each peer node in a plurality has a different corresponding key value. Each of the nodes can broadcast one or more items to a plurality of recipient nodes. The recipient nodes are arranged into a list according to a key value order. The list is divided into two or more parts of approximately equal size, and each part of the list and the one or more items is forwarded to a recipient peer node corresponding to a first key value in that part of the list. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.