A decentralized data network contains a plurality of network nodes. The network nodes are able to direct requests into the data network with the aid of checking values. The network nodes are each assigned one or more table entries in a value table distributed between the network nodes, with each table entry containing a checking value and the data associated with the checking value. Each of the plurality of network nodes are monitored to determine the frequency with which requests for the checking values assigned to a respective network node are directed to the respective network nodes. If it is found that the frequency of the requests for one or more checking values to a respective network node exceeds a predetermined threshold value, at least the table entry or entries for this or these checking values is or are assigned to at least one other network node.