Methods and systems for providing random access of structured media
content are described. One aspect provides a novel file structure or
"Vfile", and method of using the same, for organizing and managing
portions of a structured media content file that are or can be downloaded
from a content provider such as a multimedia content server. The Vfile is
configured to emulate a server file structure that a server uses to store
structured media content files. The Vfile is established at a client
location when a client accesses a structured media content file and is
used to buffer and cache structured media content file portions. In
addition, the Vfile includes one or more media management tags. The tags
are used by the client to manage a cache of structured media content file
portions that are downloaded from the server.