VBI-Tree: A peer-to-peer framework for supporting multi-dimensional indexing schemes

Abstract

Multi-dimensional data indexing has received much attention in a centralized database. However, not so much work has been done on this topic in the context of Peer-to-Peer systems. In this paper, we propose a new Peer-to-Peer framework based on a balanced tree structure overlay, which can support extensible centralized mapping methods and query processing based on a variety of multidimensional tree structures, including R-Tree, X-Tree, SS-Tree, and M-Tree. Specifically, in a network with N nodes, our framework guarantees that point queries and range queries can be answered within O(logN) hops. We also provide an effective load balancing strategy to allow nodes to balance their work load efficiently. An experimental assessment validates the practicality of our proposal. © 2006 IEEE.