The invention is directed to techniques, in a first content distribution node, for maintaining a first catalog of a first content distribution node. The first content distribution node detects a modification condition associated with the first catalog of the first content distribution node. The modification condition identifies a potential requirement to modify the first catalog. In response to detecting the modification condition, the first content distribution node performs a version-based comparison technique on the first catalog. The version-based comparison technique compares at least one of gap version information and entry version information associated with the modification condition to gap version information and entry version information associated with the first catalog to identify a catalog change condition. If the catalog change condition indicates that a catalog modification is required for the first catalog, the first content distribution node modifies the first catalog in accordance with the catalog change condition.