A method implemented by a network node coupled to a network, the method comprising inserting a location hint in a request for a content, wherein the location hint specifies one or more network locations that are known by the network node to hold at least part of the content, sending the request to the network, wherein the request comprises a content name that describes the content, and receiving a data message corresponding to the request from the network, wherein the data message comprises at least a portion of the content.