Using location-independent names to identify content, a service for mapping endpoint requests to requested content. Content requested by an endpoint of the network is mapped to a dynamic “swarm” of server, peer, or other endpoints capable of supporting the content download. Content names are mapped to a dynamically generated content swarm, presenting a current set of hosts, which can provide the requested content. Optionally, varying degrees of explicit visibility into routing paths and the performance tradeoffs between those routing paths is supported. Based on a set of class of service parameters for a given request for content, a host can initiate route selection based on class of service parameters, predicated on routing metrics maintained by the network by cooperating endpoints and/or network routers.