Peer-to-peer file sharing is different from
traditional file downloading. In peer-to-peer sharing, you use a software program
(rather than your Web browser) to locate computers that have the file you want.
Because these are ordinary computers like yours, as opposed to servers, they
are called peers.
The process works like
this:
- You run peer-to-peer file-sharing software on your computer and send out a request for the file you want to download.
- To locate the file, the software queries other computers that are connected to the Internet and running the file-sharing software.
- When the software finds a computer that has the file you want on its hard drive, the download begins.
- Others using the file-sharing software can obtain files they want from your computer's hard drive.
The file-transfer load is
distributed between the computers exchanging files, but file searches and
transfers from your computer to others can cause bottlenecks. Some people
download files and immediately disconnect without allowing others to obtain
files from their system, which is called leeching. This limits the
number of computers the software can search for the requested file.
Advantages:
- Fault tolerance
- Performance
- Cost efficiency
Disadvantages:
- Release of personal information, bundled spyware, and viruses downloaded from the network.
Some of the well known peer-to-peer file sharing programs are Bit Torrent, Shareaza, Limewire, eMule etc. Visit this site for more information regarding peer-to-peer file sharing programs.
Great explanation of peer-to-peer file system. I used to use BitTorrent to download some free softwares when I was young. Until I learnt about peer-to-peer file system, I wondered how BitTorrent works. It's an amazing piece of network existing on earth. Though BitTorrent and other peer-to-peer networks are much useful, they are also used for ill-legal distribution of copyrighted material which really hurts the industry.
ReplyDeleteNicely written blog!
Hi Thilak, you did a good job to describe how peer-to-peer works. However, there are so many issues around the P2P file sharing. The biggest challenging is the copyright issue, which caused Napster to shut down by the court order after it lost the lawsuit by A&M record company. So, I think we should need to consider what we can share and what cannot.
ReplyDeleteHi Thilak, it is a great post. I like the way you explained how P2P file system works. It is very clear and understandable. File sharing is a still big issue in our modern society, especially people now can upload and share their file easily through the internet. I think your post would be better if you add more details on what potential risks on using PSP file system. Overall, it is a great post, and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete