In this paper, we discuss the problem of distributing streaming

media content, both live and on-demand, to a large number

of hosts in a scalable way. Our work is set in the context of

the traditional client-server framework. Specifically, we consider

the problem that arises when the server is overwhelmed

by the volume of requests from its clients. As a solution,

we propose Cooperative Networking (CoopNet), where clients

cooperate to distribute content, thereby alleviating the load

on the server. We discuss the proposed solution in some detail,

pointing out the interesting research issues that arise,

and present a preliminary evaluation using traces gathered

at a busy news site during the flash crowd that occurred on

September 11, 2001.

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