A system is provided for the storage of content on a network and the
delivery of content to subscriber locations. The system includes routers
and subscriber set-top boxes in communication with each other and a main
content source. Content is delivered over a packet-switching network
according to a peer to peer file distribution protocol and is stored in a
storage area of the subscriber set-top box, such that each subscriber
set-top box is configured to transmit and receive content to and from the
main content source and other set-top boxes connected to the network. The
set-top boxes may identify a preferred source of content based on various
factors, such as geographic distance, Internet Protocol (IP) distance,
available bandwidth, integrity of the content, etc. An associated method
for accessing content and a set-top box for facilitating the storage and
delivery of content are also provided.