Systems and methods for resolving search queries to information providers
in a distributing search network. In a network including nodes generating search
requests and nodes providing information, a node may operate as hub to route search
requests from requesting nodes to provider nodes. Providers may register with a
network hub. Registration information may include address information and data
indicating the queries or type of queries for which that provider may have relevant
data. A hub may resolve search queries against provider registrations to determine
a set of providers to which to route each search query. Several systems and methods
of selecting some of the providers are described, including the use of bidding,
ranking, and statistical data.