Stream data is transmitted from a distribution server to a client without any loss of data. The capacity of a reception buffer to be prepared at the client can be made small and the network bandwidth necessary for data redistribution can be narrowed. A relay server interposed between the distribution server and client buffers stream data in an auxiliary storage device. When the relay server or client detects a loss of stream data, a redistribution request is transmitted to the distribution server or another relay server at the preceding stage.
RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/122,412, filed Apr. 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,269,662 which claims priority to JP 2001-116287 filed on Apr. 16, 2001; which are all incorporated herein by reference. This application also relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/116,210 entitled DATA RELAY METHOD filed by T. Takeuchi et al. on Apr. 5, 2002.
