A method and system provide the ability to distribute content on a network. A network system of nodes is established. Each node hosts a repository daemon (RD). A data source node receives a bundle that includes a payload and a digest extension that includes metadata that characterizes an application data unit (ADU) encapsulated by the payload. A local RD of the data source node caches the received bundle and publishes an advertisement (that includes the digest extension block) for the received bundle. The local RD, of a data requesting node subscribes to advertisements, receives an expression of interest (EOI), searches the published advertisements for a matching advertisement that matches the EOI, and obtains the bundle corresponding to the matching advertisement.