A method includes receiving, at a distribution management device, a request for a content item from a requesting local device. The distribution management device is at a first level of a content distribution architecture, the requesting local device is one of a plurality of local devices at a second level and each local device serves a plurality of sub devices at a third level. A determination whether the requested content item is available from the distribution management device is made. At least one other local device that has the requested content item is identified if the requested content item is not available. A minimum routing cost local device for the requested content to the requesting local device is determined based on the identified at least one other local device. A request for the requested content is sent to the identified minimum routing cost local device.