[p2p-hackers] Where to start ?

[walter harms]

Hi list,

I try to collect information from a distributed network. Every Node has 
a dial-up modem. The sink is also 1 dial-up modem. These modem has to 
serve ca. 20 Nodes. Simply calling every Node takes 20 units (obvious). 
  The challenge is to gather information from all Nodes (fast) and 
handle failures
I guess this problem must be around since modems exists.
Can anyone point me to some resources where i can find 
programs/literature ?

I have found same stuff concerning wireless networks but that doesnt 
help very much.

re,
	walter