SCALABLE DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

A method for independently executing software components in a node of a network containing many nodes. The method including generating a logical hierarchy of the roles of the nodes where any node can assume one or multiple roles; and negotiating the role of the nodes when there is a change in the configuration of the network. Another technique locates resources requested by a node in a scalable system interconnecting many nodes in a network. The technique includes identifying resources that join the network by switching from an inactive to an active state; and informing the requester the availability of the requested resource. A further technique determines routing paths in a context bridge which is able to route packets between nodes. The technique includes setting up a list of context bridges; listening for routing information packets which are periodically broadcast by other context bridges; and updating the database using the information contained in the received routing information packets. One more technique is on routing packets from a source node to a destination node using a context bridge. The technique includes determining whether the destination node has a routable protocol; if it does not have, then routing the packet using a source route containing the address of the context bridges from the source to the destination; and if it has, then routing the packet through at least one context bridge containing routable protocols.