Software installed in the nodes in a communication network allows them to perform a “name server” function, which entails the management of a dynamic list of the client devices that are connected to the cloud, a “task” function, which entails the receipt and transmission of the packets, and an “authority” function, which entails the determination of the routes of the packets through the cloud. Each node is capable of performing only one function at a time. After completing a job, a node reverts to an undifferentiated, state awaiting its next performance request.