A method and data structure are provided that enables name resolution via
a hierarchical or chained lookup of delegated authorities independent of
requiring IP addresses of the delegated authorities. In an embodiment,
the method provides for lookups by first generating cryptographic keys
associated with a namespace. An authority is created using one of the
cryptographic keys. Next, the method provides for enabling namespaces to
refer to the authority via requesting authorities associated with the
namespaces to issue a peer-to-peer type resolution so that names of the
namespaces resolve to the authority. For other desired namespaces, the
method provides for issuing a resolution that names the authority and
names associated with the other namespaces to resolve to the other
authorities. For services, the authority and a service name are published
to receive and end result such as arbitrary data, an IP address, a
protocol name or a port.