What is a file sharing network for? This is a collective designation of the programs that are needed for file sharing. The principle of their work is the ability to find and download the necessary resources in the public domain, which is laid out by another user.
general information
A file-sharing network is a peer-to-peer unit. It is used to exchange files between participants who are both a server and a client. Networks exist by type of organization: centralized, decentralized, hybrid. What is the difference?
- Centralized. They are a structure that unites customers in a community. Index servers store all the information. The advantages of the CA include the ease of programming and the small amount of information that is transmitted to the servers. If the network is closed, the cause of this may be a technical failure, unreliability.
- Decentralized. Work without index servers. They transmit more information when compared to centralized ones. In addition, their reliability is higher. One of the most famous are considered networks of Kad, Overnet, Gnutella.
- Hybrid. Combine the best qualities of the first two: speed and reliability. They use independent indexing servers that synchronize data with each other. An example of a hybrid network is OpenNap.
What is it for?
A file-sharing network is necessary for exchanging information over the Internet. With it, you can download music, software, films, games and much more to your computer. File hosting works according to the following principle:
- The user downloads the program.
- Provides access to some of its own resources.
- The downloaded program has a search bar that allows you to search for files on the resources of other users. They should be intended for free use. Found resources can be downloaded for free.
Torrents are considered a prime example of file sharing. Translated from English means "bit stream". A network is a peer-to-peer protocol for exchanging files between participants. Downloading information occurs in parts. There are special programs and BitTorrent networks for file sharing. They will be described in more detail below.
User guide
How to use the I2P network and other file hosting services? One of the most popular today are BitTorrent exchange programs. Distribution can consist of one or several files. For each transfer, metadata with a torrent extension is created. They contain information about the URL tracker, complete information about the file (name, volume) and other parameters. In addition, the sum of the file segments, the user key, non-protocol sources are indicated. The peculiarity of the torrent is that the load during distribution is minimal.
In order to download the selected file, you need to join the tracker at the specified address, provide your address and the amount of the file. Next, the user receives the addresses of other clients who download the same resource. He needs to be informed about the process from time to time in order to receive updated customer addresses. As a result, there is a constant process of exchanging segment information. In order for the torrent to work faster, a large number of clients are needed. The exchange of information also depends on the number and size of segments.
Pros and cons
The file-sharing network "Freedom" has advantages and disadvantages. The pluses include the ability to find any program, software, other resource and download it for free. Given the fact that there are a lot of users in such systems, it will not be difficult to find even the most exclusive file. When downloading, an SSL protocol is created.
The disadvantages of file-sharing systems include fines for using torrents in some countries. In addition, downloading a large amount of software will require a huge amount of RAM. Many users have difficulty obtaining information due to the lack of a "gold" account. In order to gain full access to file hosting resources, you must pay a certain amount. In addition, the downloaded files are packed in archives, so it takes time to extract them.
Networks
The following programs are among the most popular file hosting services: eMule, DC ++, LimeWire, FrostWire. Also, do not forget about various torrents, including Azureus, BitComet, uTorrent. Private file-sharing networks deserve special attention. For example, the I2P network is anonymous. She independently organizes her work. Its feature is that I2P stores hashed, encrypted network addresses. The transmitted traffic is encrypted, all messages are protected.
The general features of networks, regardless of their popularity, include the absence of queues for downloading files. All information is distributed in parts, and segments are exchanged from one user to another. During the process, the client monitors the integrity of the fragments. The user has the ability to simultaneously receive and share files. Already downloaded fragments can be distributed again.
The ED2K network is a centralized type of exchanger. Search on it for accessible files help specialized servers that are connected to each other. Independent exchange of information between clients occurs via the MFTP protocol.
Reviews
Many users find file-sharing networks a convenient way to exchange programs and information. Most of them are safe and reliable. Some hide the identity of the client and server. With their help, you can quickly download any software, program, game or video. In addition, file hosting services always have a lot of information that is available to users for free.