BitTorrent
BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol that facilitates the distribution and downloading of large files over the Internet, such as movies, music, and games. Unlike traditional downloading methods, where a single source provides the entire file, BitTorrent allows users to download pieces of the file from multiple sources simultaneously, significantly speeding up the process. To use BitTorrent, individuals employ a BitTorrent client, which interacts with a torrent file and connects to a tracker that coordinates the file-sharing among users in a "swarm." Users who download files are referred to as "leechers" or "peers," while those who upload files are known as "seeders."
BitTorrent's reputation has been marred by its association with piracy, as it is often used to illegally share copyrighted content. However, the company behind BitTorrent, BitTorrent, Inc., has made efforts to promote legitimate uses of the protocol, including campaigns to improve its image and the introduction of products that enable legal distribution of content. Despite these initiatives, BitTorrent continues to be a popular platform for downloading both legal and illegal media. The protocol has gained significant traction globally, accounting for a notable share of Internet traffic and boasting over 1 billion users by 2024.
BitTorrent
BitTorrent is a protocol that allows for the distribution and sharing of large files through the Internet. Examples of such files include movies, television shows, music, games, and books. BitTorrent uses multiple sources to upload and download files, which accelerates the process. Although BitTorrent has been linked to piracy, the company that provides the protocol, BitTorrent, Inc., has taken steps to legitimize the protocol.
What Is It?
BitTorrent is a type of protocol. A protocol is a format that devices use to transmit data between one another. Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) and file transfer protocol (FTP) are examples of common protocols. HTTP allows web pages to be read. FTP allows media to be placed online so it can be accessed.
Specifically, BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol. A P2P network is a network of two or more computers that are connected and share responsibilities. This means that BitTorrent uses multiple computers to share files.
BitTorrent uses a torrent file, which is data that is downloaded and sent to a BitTorrent client. A BitTorrent client is software that downloads the data in a torrent file. Transmission is an example of a BitTorrent client. Torrents can be downloaded using various services, including ClearBits. Additionally, GigaOM offers a collection of torrent services.
The main feature of BitTorrent is that it downloads a file in pieces from multiple sources so that the file can be downloaded more quickly than if it came from just one source. A good example is a movie file, which may take a long time because of its large size. BitTorrent finds several sources with the same file and downloads pieces of it from each source simultaneously. This speeds up the downloading process because small bits of the movie file are downloaded, rather than one large file.
With BitTorrent, multiple computers swarm, or upload and download data between one another. A computer must first join a swarm. This is achieved by loading a torrent file into a BitTorrent client. The client connects with a tracker, which is a central server that oversees the computers and allows all the clients to connect with one another. The client then downloads small pieces of the torrent file and uploads that data to the other clients. All the clients both download and upload the torrent file, which accelerates the download and minimizes the stress put on the server. Individuals downloading the torrent file are called leechers or peers, while individuals uploading the torrent file are known as seeders.
A BitTorrent system without a tracker has also been developed. This eliminates the need for a central server. Distributed hash table (DHT) technology is used in this system. DHT allows each peer to act as a tracker.
BitTorrent is a widely used protocol. A 2012 study, the Sandvine Global Internet Phenomena Report, found that BitTorrent accounted for 12 percent of all Internet traffic in North America and 36 percent in the Asia-Pacific region. By 2024, BitTorrent had more than 1 billion users. Large online companies, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia, used BitTorrent to roll out large updates to users.
BitTorrent, Inc.
BitTorrent, Inc. is the company that provides BitTorrent. Bram Cohen, inventor of BitTorrent, cofounded the company in 2004 and served as the chief scientist and director.
Linked to Piracy
BitTorrent is often associated with piracy, which is the unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted content. BitTorrent is often used to download pirated movies, music, and games. In fact, BitTorrent is the leading technology on the Internet for illegally downloading copyrighted content.
BitTorrent users may wonder what constitutes an illegal use of BitTorrent. The answer lies in the kind of content the user is downloading with BitTorrent. If an individual is using BitTorrent to download a copyrighted movie that has yet to be released on DVD, this practice is most likely illegal. On the other hand, if someone is using BitTorrent to download an independent film that is distributed freely, then it is legal.
BitTorrent, Inc. has been active in fighting piracy and legitimizing the BitTorrent protocol. In 2013, the company began a billboard campaign in its hometown, as well as in New York City and Los Angeles. The billboards included messages that the company hoped would help improve its image. The company also developed new products that it felt would help show the public that it is legitimate, while also supporting the entertainment industry. For example, the company released BitTorrent Bundle, which enables entertainers to deliver packages of content directly to their fans. BitTorrent, Inc. also made efforts to help Hollywood studios find a method of distributing very large files called 4K video files. Despite these efforts, BitTorrent remained a popular method for media piracy.
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