Peer-to-peer (P2P)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks represent a decentralized approach to sharing files among computers, eliminating the need for a central server. Unlike traditional server-based networks, where all communications funnel through a single hub, P2P networks allow each computer to connect directly with every other computer in the network. This architecture enhances file transfer speeds, as data packets are distributed simultaneously from multiple sources, particularly when numerous computers have the same file available for sharing. The terminology within these networks distinguishes between "seeding," where users provide files for others to download, and "leeching," where users download files.
P2P networks are utilized in various applications, including music streaming services like Spotify and large file distribution in research and gaming industries. They also play a crucial role in blockchain technologies, supporting cryptocurrency transactions and smart contracts. However, the decentralized nature of P2P networks presents challenges, especially concerning copyright infringement, as it becomes difficult to regulate or remove illegally shared content. This complexity has led to ongoing legal disputes as corporations seek to address unauthorized distributions. Despite controversies, P2P networks continue to be an influential technology in file sharing and data exchange.
Peer-to-peer (P2P)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are a method for sharing files across computers. P2P networks are a commonly used alternative to the traditional server-style network.
What Is Peer-to-Peer?
P2P networks are a specific type of decentralized computer network. In a traditional computer network, all computers in the network connect to one central hub. This hub is called a server. The server contains any files the computers in the network may need to access. However, a server can only communicate with so many computers at once. If the server is overloaded with connections, the connections will slow or stop. This means computers in the network will lose access to the server. Additionally, each computer in the network has just one path to communicate with the server. This path is limited by bandwidth, which is how much data can be transferred along the connection at one time. The limited bandwidth of a single connection causes a hard limit to how quickly files can be transferred between a central server and a computer.
In a P2P network, there is no central server. Instead, every computer in a network uses specialized software to connect itself to every other computer in the network at the same time. The P2P network software breaks files up into tiny data packets. These packets are sent through the network to the computer asking for the file then are reassembled into a copy of the original file. P2P networks are most useful when more than one computer in the network contains a file. In this circumstance, multiple computers will send packets of data to the computer asking for the file over their own connections, providing an extremely fast download rate. The process of providing a file for download over a P2P network is called seeding, while the process of downloading a file over a P2P network is called leeching. The more computers seeding a file in a network, the faster that file can be downloaded. This is why many P2P networks mandate that leechers make a file available for seeding for a set amount of time after they have downloaded it. With newer P2P software, leechers may even seed a file while downloading it. The P2P software keeps track of which parts of the file the user has downloaded then sends copies of these files out to other computers attempting to download them.
Redundancy is a major advantage of P2P networks. In a traditional computer network, if a central server fails, the entire network is taken off-line until the server can be repaired. The files on the central server may not always be recoverable, leading to permanent data loss. However, on a P2P network, there is no central server to fail. Should one computer be removed from the network, the network has only lost a single leeching node, or peer. In a large P2P network, most files are distributed across a large number of computers to increase download speeds; therefore, files are not lost if a single computer is removed from the network. Additionally, the larger a network is, the less download speeds will be impacted by failures of small numbers of machines.
Uses for Peer-to-Peer Networks
P2P networks are used for a variety of purposes. For example, the music streaming service Spotify uses a P2P network to increase download speeds. The program starts the song download from a centralized server then checks if other computers in the network are playing the same song. If they are, those computers will send data packets containing the song to the other computers streaming it. This drastically reduces buffering and pause effects, allowing the music to play smoothly and without delay. P2P networks are also used by certain research facilities as well as video game distributers to download extremely large files faster than traditional server networks.
A growing use for P2P networks are cryptocurrency trade, non-fungible token (NFT) sales, and smart contracts. These systems use blockchain, P2P networks that are shared databases or ledgers. Data entered in such decentralized blockchains are irreversible and therefore permanently recorded.
Controversy over Peer-to-Peer Networks
P2P networks allow users to easily distribute—sometimes illegally—copyrighted media, such as music downloads, movies, video games, books, and television shows. If the files that are distributed illegally are hosted on a traditional server-based network, media corporations can simply issue a takedown notice, forcing the server owner to remove the files. They might also press charges against the server owner for illegally hosting and distributing copyrighted content. However, because there is no central server on P2P networks, removing copyrighted content from the network is a difficult process.
Large P2P networks, such as BitTorrent, boast networks that commonly facilitate access between millions of computers. Some popular files, such as recently released music, may have tens of thousands of computers seeding and leeching them at the same time, with users constantly connecting and disconnecting from the file. It would be impractical for a corporation or copyright owner to press charges against every individual downloader, assuming each downloader could be identified through reliable online tracking mechanisms such as Internet protocol (IP) addresses. Instead, corporations have attempted to make examples of individual downloaders by suing them for many thousands of dollars. However, other than a few high-profile examples, these occurrences are extremely rare. Additionally, these cases have not been shown to impact illegal downloading rates through P2P networks.
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