Peering network - what is it?

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 such an exchange.

Different types of information and transmission can be done in various ways. For example, today is very popular peer-to-peer network (P2P), the uniqueness of which in the ability to transfer almost any amount of data. But, of course, this is not the only sphere where this technology is really in demand. For example, it is on its basis that numerous clusters for distributed computing are created that use the power of remote computers.

The "ethical" side of the question

In general, the peer-to-peer network has been actively "demonized" in recent years. That it is "dangerous" from the point of view of obtaining viruses and unlicensed content, they say practically in all media.

For some reason, journalists simply shyly conceal 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 exchange of data. A simple example: for a long time "Snowstorm", Blizzard company, uses these networks to update customers of the same "Warcraft" and other games. It is not necessary to mention how much information from players from around the world is generated there!

But in this article the peer-to-peer network will be examined from the positions of receiving and transferring files, since this side of the issue is the closest to the ordinary users.

The most common programs

Surely every user at least heard about some utilities, through which the file exchange is carried out. Everyone has heard of μTorrent and eMule, Shareaza, KaZaA and others, which are constantly mentioned in connection with the transmission of information on the Internet. However, we try to talk about them more orderly. So what is a peer-to-peer network? What is the scientific interpretation of this concept?

Definition

We can say that right after the creation of computers people are puzzled by how they can be linked into a single system. Soon the technology of local networks was invented, 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 it can not only receive but also transmit information, working simultaneously as a server and a client. The abbreviation P2P (peer-to-peer) is more common, which can be translated from English as "from equal to equal." Such networks are also called decentralized.

Basic principles of work

Each participant is a feast. They also unite in the global system, within which the transfer of any information. From the standard model, in which there is a server and a client, peer-to - peer file - sharing networks are distinguished for their increased survivability: regardless of the number of functioning peers, they remain fully operational. In addition, there is no explicit dependence on server bandwidth .

Let's give a "visual" example of the transfer of a small file in such a network. The data is transferred in small pieces, which are called packets. Each file is divided into many such packages, which are downloaded by the user machine. The order of obtaining them is of no special significance.

Differences from the standard network

In the case of the usual network, there is a server, but there is a file that can be downloaded from there. The speed of data retrieval will be directly related to both the server's bandwidth and its workload at any given moment. Simply put, in the presence of a huge number of users, each of which "pulls" from the server, the rate of return can generally fall to zero.

If something happens to the server, then all the information will immediately become inaccessible to you. And will have to look for another source, from which you can download this information.

Advantages of peer-to-peer data transfer model

Where the peer to peer network works. What does it mean? First, you do not need to look for a specific server from which the required file is being sent. It is enough to find a file or a magnet-link on a special site, which indicate its existence. You can download it using a special program, some of which we mentioned above. And the main difference is that downloading can go simultaneously with 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 hard disks of which there will surely be the required information.

Some drawbacks of the peer model

We have repeatedly stressed that the main area of use of such networks is data exchange. Strangely enough, the peer-to-peer network described above does not practically exist in the world. What does this mean? The fact is that the classical model has not only many advantages, but also some critical drawbacks.

The most controversial circumstance is the need to search the network for peers that have the same file and that are on the network at the same time. That's why a hybrid model was created. It has some kind of servers, but they do not answer for transferring data, but for searching active users who have the information you need. Almost all modern peer-to-peer networks work precisely due to the use of this hybrid model.

To become a full-fledged and full 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 not one peer-to-peer network. What does this imply?

The largest and most popular network for file sharing

It should be remembered that on the Internet there are hundreds and thousands of smaller, local networks, many of which are supported even by regional providers. An excellent example is the MTS peer to peer network. Of course, they all use a classic or hybrid model of work, obey the same principles, but they can use completely different data transfer protocols, and it's not worth talking about specific software.

The largest, known all over the world, are the following P2P networks:

• ED2K. Data transmission is performed using the MFTP protocol. The client is a well known eMule program. Already since 2005, the project is in a state of "chronic death", but so far the network continues to function steadily, even if the data transfer speed is not fast.

• BitTorrent. Perhaps the most popular segment of the peer-to-peer system, characterized by a huge number of users and high speed. Has a huge number of customers, including "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 (relatively) circle of users. This model is extremely popular as a local network provider. The main client is DC ++.

• Gnutella. This is a real, pure peering system. A special data transfer protocol was used, which was created by Nullsoft, the developer of the well-known (albeit deceased) "Winampa". What are the clients of peer-to-peer networks used in this case? The program Shareaza, LimeWire and others is known.

• FastTrack. It also features 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 advantages of all these services? It's simple - no setup of the peer-to-peer network is absolutely necessary. Put the program, go to the "magnetic" link and ... voila, the file began to swing!

Basic Rules for File Sharing

Given the specifics of the operation of these networks, one does not have to be surprised at the presence of rather rigid rules, which are highly desirable to comply with. Many of them are simple and logical. If not, 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 basis of such a model is the principle of equality of all participants. From this it follows that you need not only to download, but also to give information. In principle, this is almost the only mandatory condition. You do not like it? Well, then at your service - 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 start downloading the file only after paying for or viewing a huge amount of advertising, and the speed will be disgusting.

What should I do when I exchange?

It is very desirable, after downloading a file, to distribute an equal amount of information from it. Typically, if the user only downloads but does not distribute anything, the system may be penalized to completely exclude the possibility of receiving new files. You can even use IP or MAC blocking. In particular, the peer-to-peer network "Beeline" is different.

In general, we advise you to use the following, absolutely logical and fair rules:

• Do not delete the file just by downloading it. If there is such an opportunity, as long as possible, save it on your hard drive.

• You can not also move or rename the received files, since in this case other users also will not be able to access them.

• Do not underestimate artificially the speed of the outgoing channel. Of course, this transfer to some extent loads your hard drive and the system itself, but you should not brush aside the needs of other people.

• It will not hurt to keep a dozen or so popular files on your computer to support the system.

Rightholders: we do not advise you to distribute pirate software or something like that. You can always greet only if the user participates in the Linux distribution of the same distributions, as this significantly offloads the servers of companies that already often live on one donation and work exclusively on a volunteer basis!

About copyright protection

We have already noted that in recent years peer-to-peer networks have been associated exclusively with piracy. And most often this attitude is quite justified, since users are massively downloading not that ... Here only in most cases pirated content is quite adequate and free of charge. Always remember this!