Internet system and method for selecting a closest server from a plurality of alternative servers

摘要: A method (200) and Internet system (100) is provided that attempts to improve response times by automatically selecting for use a server (e.g., mirror or alternative ) (158b) located relatively close requesting host (152a). Alternatively, the can select server) appropriate More specifically, operate closest most from plurality of servers (154a-154e) providing same service servers) slightly adapted variants (158b, 158e) each assigned (202, 204) common name (114) unique Protocol address (116). The includes database Domain Name System (DNS) storing addresses. also (152a-152e) transmitting (208) translation request containing (156a-156e). In request, host, router, dedicated server, DNS (152a-152e, 105a-105e, 157a-157e, 156a-156e) operates (210) (116) either which nearest (152a) server).