Patent ID: 8090863

Claim:
A method of distributing partial content objects in a content delivery network (CDN), the method comprising: receiving at a distribution server an indication that a content object is available at a first location; obtaining from the first location information relating to the content object; determining, based on the obtained information, whether the content object is a candidate for distribution; upon determining that the content object is a candidate for distribution: comparing the information relating to the content object with mapping data to identify specific mapping data associated with the content object, the specific mapping data identifying a select portion of the content object; retrieving the select portion of the content object based on the specific mapping data, the select portion including at least one of information indicative of a content type associated with the content object, or information used by an end user system to prepare to playback the content object; determining a plurality of edge servers to receive the select portion of the content object; and not in response to an end user request for the content object, sending the select portion of the content object to the plurality of edge servers.