In the modern world, we are all used to being able to share interesting information and materials with friends and other people. Especially in this regard, the Internet is important, since it is the global network that provides us with a bunch of opportunities for this kind of exchange.
Different types of information can be transmitted in various ways. For example, a peer-to-peer network (P2P) is very popular today, the uniqueness of which is the ability to transfer almost any amount of data. But, of course, this is far from the only area where this technology is really in demand. For example, it was on its basis that numerous clusters for distributed computing were created using the power of remote computers.
The "ethical" side of the issue
In general, in recent years, a peer-to-peer network has been actively “demonized”. That it is “dangerous” in terms of obtaining viruses and unlicensed content, they say in almost all media.
But for some reason, the journalists are bashfully silent that at least 70% of the traffic from the P2P protocol falls on absolutely law-abiding users and even entire companies that simply unload their servers, involving ordinary computers in the data exchange. A simple example: Metelitsa, aka Blizzard, has been using these networks to update customers of the same Warcraft and other games for a long time. It’s not worth mentioning how much information from players from all over the world is generated there!
But in this article we will consider the peer-to-peer network from the standpoint of receiving and transmitting files, as this side of the question is closest to ordinary users.
Most common programs
Surely every user at least has heard about some utilities through which file sharing is carried out. Everyone is aware of µTorrent and eMule, Shareaza, KaZaA and others, which are constantly mentioned in connection with the transfer of certain information on the Internet. However, we will try to talk about them in a more orderly manner. So what is a peer-to-peer network? What is the scientific decoding of this concept?
Definition
We can say that immediately after the creation of computers, people were puzzled by how to connect them into a single system. Soon the technology of local area networks was invented, which is actively used to this day. But this method of linking computers into a single "organism" has its drawbacks. For example, in most cases, individual machines have elevated privileges, which is not always permissible.
It was to eliminate such "discrimination" that a peer-to-peer network was invented, each computer in which can not only receive, but also transmit information, working simultaneously as a server and client. The abbreviation P2P (peer-to-peer) is more common, which can be translated from English as “from peer to peer”. Such networks are also called decentralized.
Basic principles of work
Each participant is a feast. They are combined into a global system, within which any information is transmitted. Peer-to - peer file - sharing networks are distinguished from the standard model, in which there is a server and a client, by their increased survivability: regardless of the number of functioning peers, they maintain full operability. In addition, there is no explicit dependence on server bandwidth .
Let's give a “clear” example of transferring a small file on such a network. Data is transferred in small chunks called packets. Each file is divided into many such packages, which are downloaded by the user machine. The order in which they are received is not of particular importance.
Differences from the standard network
In the case of a regular network, there is a server, but there is a file that can be downloaded from there. The speed of data acquisition will be directly dependent on both the bandwidth of the server and its load at any given moment. Simply put, in the presence of a huge number of users, each of which “pulls” something from the server, the speed of return can generally drop to zero.
If something happens at all with the server, then all the information will immediately become inaccessible to you. And you will have to search for another source from which you can download this information.
Benefits of a peer-to-peer data transfer model
Much more perfect peer-to-peer network. What does it mean? Firstly, you don’t need to look for a specific server from which the required file is being transferred. It is enough to find a file or a magnet link on a special site that indicates its existence. You can download it using a special program, some of which we have already mentioned above. And the main difference will be that the download can go simultaneously from hundreds and thousands of the same sources.
We have already noted that in these networks, each individual computer can simultaneously perform the server function, and therefore each segment is universal. Simply put, if some feasts suddenly turn out to be inaccessible, computers of other people can always help out, on the hard drives of which the required information will most likely turn out to be.
Some disadvantages of the peer-to-peer model
We have repeatedly emphasized that the main area of use of such networks is data exchange. Oddly enough, but in the world there is practically no peer-to-peer network described above. What does this mean? The fact is that the classical model has not only many advantages, but also some critical shortcomings.
The most controversial circumstance is the need to search the network for peers that have the same file and are online at the same time. That is why a hybrid model was created. It has some kind of servers, but they are responsible not so much for data transfer as for searching active users who have the information you are looking for. Almost all modern peer-to-peer networks work precisely through the use of this hybrid model.
To become a full and full-fledged participant in such a system, you will need to install a special client program on your computer that will be responsible for finding free peers with the necessary data. Note that there is far from one peer-to-peer network. What does this mean?
The largest and most popular file sharing networks
It should be remembered that there are hundreds and thousands of smaller, local networks on the Internet, many of which are supported even by regional providers. A perfect example is the MTS peer-to-peer network. Of course, they all use the classic or hybrid work model, obey the same principles, but they can use completely different data transfer protocols, and there’s no need to talk about specific software.
The largest known worldwide are the following P2P networks:
ED2K. Data transmission is carried out according to the MFTP protocol. The client is the famous eMule program. Since 2005, the project has been in a state of "chronic death", but so far the network continues to function stably, even if the data transfer speed cannot be called fast.
BitTorrent Perhaps the most popular segment of the peer-to-peer system, characterized by a huge number of users and high speed. It has a huge number of customers, which include the "epic" uTorrent, BitComet, as well as dozens of others.
Direct Connect A more specific option is when hubs formed by certain groups of people are used by a limited (comparative) circle of users. This model is extremely popular as a local area network provider. The main client is DC ++.
Gnutella. This is a real, pure peer-to-peer system. A special data transfer protocol is used, which was created by Nullsoft, the developer of the well-known (although deceased) Winamp. What peer-to-peer network clients are used in this case? The famous program Shareaza, LimeWire and others.
FastTrack. It is also characterized by a “clean” P2P model, but only those computers that have their full version can participate in file sharing. Programs - KaZaA, mlDonkey.
What are the main benefits of all these services? It's simple - no configuration of a peer-to-peer network is absolutely required. Put the program, follow the "magnetic" link and ... voila, the file started to download!
Basic file sharing rules
Given the specifics of the operation of these networks, it is not surprising that there are quite strict rules that are highly desirable to comply with. Many of them are simple and logical. If they are not fulfilled, you are threatened with a complete exclusion from the exchange process, which entails the inability to obtain the necessary information.
We have already said more than once that the principle of the equal rights of all participants is the basis of such a model. It follows from this that you need not only to download, but also to give information. In principle, this is almost the only prerequisite. Does it not suit you? Well, then at your service are numerous information exchange services built on a standard server-client architecture.
That's just not a single program for peer-to-peer networks (with all its advantages) does not work in them, and you can only start downloading a file after paying or viewing a huge amount of advertising, and the speed will be disgusting.
What is advisable to do during the exchange?
It is very desirable, having downloaded some file, to distribute from it the same amount of information. As a rule, if the user only downloads, but does not distribute anything, the system may introduce “penalties”, which provide for the complete exclusion of the possibility of receiving new files. Even blocking by IP or MAC address can be used. In particular, the Beeline peer-to-peer network is distinguished by this.
In general, we advise you to use the following, absolutely logical and fair rules:
In no case do not delete the file, just having just finished downloading it. If possible, keep it on your hard drive for as long as possible.
You cannot also move or rename received files, as in this case other users will also not be able to access them.
In no case do not artificially lower the speed of the outgoing channel. Of course, such a transfer to some extent loads your hard drive and the system itself, but do not brush off the needs of other people like that.
It does not hurt to keep a dozen or two popular files on your computer to support the system.
To copyright holders: we do not recommend distributing pirated software or anything like that. You can always only greet if the user participates in the exchange of distributions of the same Linux, as this significantly offloads the servers of companies that already often live on the same donations and work exclusively on a voluntary basis!
About copyright protection
We have already noted that peer-to-peer networks in recent years are associated exclusively with piracy. And most often this attitude is quite justified, since users do not download it in bulk ... But only in most cases there is a completely adequate and free replacement for pirated content. Always remember this!