Peer-To-Peer+Networks

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About
Peer-To-Peer networks are networks in which one user's computer is directly connected to that of another user in order to exchange files or programs. Peer-To-Peer networks, or //P2P// as they are commonly referred to as, usually use a low number of servers. An actual totally Peer-To-Peer network is one that consists of no servers and only users or computers that act as both servers and users at the same time. That is to say, a person who is using a Peer-To-Peer file sharing program on his or her personal computer is also acting as a server to others who may wish to download files that the user has stored on his or her computer and has made available for retreival.

//This Peer-To-Peer diagram shows the complexity of the network and the web it forms as users interact with one another, distributing files.//

Peer-To-Peer networks utilize //supernodes//. That is to say, users with the fastest and most powerful computers and connections are flagged as supernodes. Each supernode contains information on where particular files can be located. So when a user searches for a file, the nearest supernode to them directs them to where they can download the file or directs them to another supernode that will be able to locate their desired file.

Types of Networks
Three common Peer-To-Peer networks are //Pure P2P//, //Hybrid P2P// and //Mixed P2P//: __Pure P2P:__ A Peer-To-Peer network in which the users act as both the clients and servers but with no primary server. __Hybrid P2P:__ A Peer-To-Peer network in which a primary server exists but the users themselves are still the main sources of downloadable materials. __Mixed P2P:__ A combination of a Pure P2P network and a Hybrid P2P network.

Functions of Peer-to-Peer

 * Peer to peer system allows users to:**


 * Sharing Files with Others(Content distribution): allows for the distribution of media products including audio, video, software products updates etc.
 * Sharing Your Experiences
 * Sending and recieving text Messages

// [|Napster]__:__ One of the first, most influential, and most controversial Peer-To-Peer programs.//