A method comprises (a) detecting a packet loss in a partial data packet stream in a peer-to-peer network; (b) signaling an indication of lost packets to one or more sending peers serving the partial data packet stream corresponding to the packet loss; (c) after expiration of a threshold period of time without receiving lost packets, signaling one or more candidate peers a request for retransmission of the lost packets, the candidate peers being peers not serving the partial data packet stream; and (d) receiving the lost packets through one of the candidate peers.