System and method for optimized distributed file transfer

A system and method for optimized distribution of files from a file server to a high number of client machines. The client machines are interconnected as nodes in a binary tree structure with each level of nodes receiving the files from a higher level and transferring to a lower level. The file server is the root node of the tree. A database is arranged to store the tree structure information, register new client machines requesting file transfer, and determine lowest cost paths for new links within the tree structure. The lowest cost paths are determined based on cost parameters assigned to network switches between nodes of the tree. Each client machine acting as a child node is arranged to receive the files from a parent node as the files are stored in the parent node, and disconnect from the parent node upon receiving all of the files.