14-09-2017, 10:22 AM
Peer-to-peer file sharing is the distribution and sharing of digital media using peer-to-peer (P2P) networking technology. P2P file sharing allows users to access multimedia files such as books, music, movies and games using a P2P software program that looks for other computers connected in a P2P network to locate the desired content. The nodes (pairs) of such networks are end-user computers and distribution servers (not required).
Peer-to-peer file-sharing technology has evolved through several stages of designing early networks such as Napster, which popularized technology, to later models such as the BitTorrent protocol. Microsoft uses it for distribution of updates (Windows 10) and online games (for example, mmorpg Skyforge) use it as their content distribution network to download large amounts of data without incurring the dramatic costs of inherent bandwidth by providing a single source.
Several factors contributed to the widespread adoption and facilitation of peer-to-peer file sharing. These include the increase in Internet bandwidth, the widespread digitalisation of physical media and the increasing capabilities of residential personal computers. Users were able to transfer one or more files from one computer to another over the Internet through various file transfer systems and other file sharing networks.
Peer-to-peer file-sharing technology has evolved through several stages of designing early networks such as Napster, which popularized technology, to later models such as the BitTorrent protocol. Microsoft uses it for distribution of updates (Windows 10) and online games (for example, mmorpg Skyforge) use it as their content distribution network to download large amounts of data without incurring the dramatic costs of inherent bandwidth by providing a single source.
Several factors contributed to the widespread adoption and facilitation of peer-to-peer file sharing. These include the increase in Internet bandwidth, the widespread digitalisation of physical media and the increasing capabilities of residential personal computers. Users were able to transfer one or more files from one computer to another over the Internet through various file transfer systems and other file sharing networks.