An information transfer mechanism including (all or a part of) a retrieval mechanism
can be realized. A user mechanism converts numeric data indicating 'information'
into a uniquely corresponding information network address, and transmits a packet
storing the address to the network. A relay mechanism which has received the packet
determines the route to a host storing the information corresponding to the information
network address stored in it, and relays the packet. Upon receipt of the returned
packet from the host, the relay mechanism determines the route to the user mechanism
corresponding to the network address stored in the return packet, and relays the
return packet. Upon receipt of the return packet from the relay mechanism, the
user mechanism receives the information stored in the return packet.
