Peer-to-peer and P 2 P File Sharing Essay

Submitted By Jeevan-Mahtani
Words: 3074
Pages: 13
Open Document
P2P File Sharing (μTorrent)
Jeevan Mahtani, S3448872
S3448872@student.rmit.edu.au

Abstract. The purpose of this report is to identify the need for P2P file sharing applications. It also focuses on the risks and disadvantages that come along with P2P file sharing. It will then outline on one of the most commonly used P2P clients in the world that makes use of the Bittorrent Protocol which comes with a package of terminologies that are explained. The use of P2P software also tends to lead to an array of complications such as copyright infringement which will be talked about later on. 1. Introduction
We are living in an age where the advancement of technology can happen in the blink of an eye. The use of P2P applications have become part of the standard suite of PC applications.
With millions of users world-wide sharing music, video, software and pictures at their fingertips, it is no wonder why it is so commonly used today, compared to the traditional client/server file distribution system. However with that being taken into account, it comes with its disadvantages like copyright infringement issues, technical and security issues which will be covered further in this report. This report will also go to into the architecture and mechanics of the popular P2P file sharing client, uTorrent.

2. How does P2P file sharing work?

Firstly, in order to get around to the mechanics of P2P file sharing, we first have to understand what it is. It all started from the traditional method of file distribution using the client/server method. This meant that in order for files to be obtained, client computers would have to connect to a single dedicated server to in order to download files. As a dedicated server was a single source, this caused many delays in downloads and file sharing was done very slowly and became counterproductive. Thus the P2P(short for Peer-to-Peer)file sharing applications enables a client computer to act as both a client and server, assuming whatever role is efficient for the network. Files can be shared directly between systems on the network without the need of a central server. It is easy and inexpensive to set up. All that is needed is an internet connection and P2P file sharing client. It focuses on using the user’s storage, processing power and upload capacity. This is great in terms of scalability. It does not require the need to maintain a dedicated server as well as buying more storage space to contain files.

BittorentInc Co. is a world famous P2P file sharing system which focuses on sharing files through their Bittorent Protocol. A very famous client used by millions of users worldwide is μTorrent. This P2P application is owned by Bittorent, Inc and is a lightweight P2P file sharing system. It’s logo ‘μ’ stems from Greek alphabet and it stands for ‘micro’ in a unit prefix as the program is famous for using a very small amount of memory on a computer. Like other bittorrent clients, it uses the bittorrent protocol for sharing of files. A typical P2P system in the past like Napster, Kazaa and the likes ran on a centralized P2P system. This meant that it incorporated features from the client/server model in the sense that peers located their resources through the aid of a centralised server that acted as a task scheduler and coordinator for peers to establish direction connections to each other for the purpose of file sharing. It also operates on a client-server protocol over point-to-point TCP. There were some disadvantages to this model as the centralised server, like the client/server model, poses as a single point of failure if the routing tables are not available resulting in peers not being able to communicate and locate one another. The computing power and storage capabilities also need to be maintained in line with the increasing number of peers. μTorrent uses a Bittorrent protocol for their file sharing system. There are a few terms that come along with this protocol. All users have to do is download
Show More

Related Documents: Peer-to-peer and P 2 P File Sharing Essay

The Pirate Bay Essay examples

The Pirate Bay Case Study 24 06 2009 Introduction The Internet has served as a medium for peers to share any kind of files, like pictures, videos, music, books, etc. However, in order for peers to be able to exchange files, a platform is needed. There are many platforms available that serve as a bridge technology so that peers can share files with other peers around the world. These platforms only serve as a connection devise and not as a piracy store. As a result of the existence of these…

Words 5700 - Pages 23

Essay On Online Music Piracy

Abstract This investigation seeks to find out if current actions taken are effective in reducing online music piracy. Online music piracy is the illegal sharing of copyrighted music over the internet and is a growing issue as the internet becomes more accessible. It has a damaging effect on the music industry, as the incomes of artists, producers, and others alike are affected. Research was conducted to identify the relevant legal and technological measures currently undertaken, and to determine…

Words 1725 - Pages 7

The Misbehavior Of Consumers In The Exchange Process

share information on a mass scale with relative ease (William et al, 2010). This development has led to the propagation of online piracy, resulting in the illegal downloading of entertainment content, software and e-books (Robertson et al, 2011). 2/Digital Piracy One of the most infamous examples of digital privacy transpired in 1999, the release of Star Wars: Episode 1 resulted in thousands of illegally recorded copies from America being distributed across the Atlantic into Asia; this had a dramatic…

Words 3691 - Pages 15

Exchange: Music Industry and Media Convergence Essay

corresponding changes in response to the dynamic conditions of today and in the future. Dwyer (2010) explains that “media convergence is the process whereby new technologies are accommodated by existing media and communication industries and cultures”(pp.2). He adds to this by saying this technology in turn transforms the structure and culture of the media and communication industries. Fagerjord (2012) confirms Dwyer (2010)’s definition of media convergence but focuses on the mass media, he points out…

Words 3775 - Pages 16

Online Piracy Essay

Assessment 1 - Essay Online Communication How can traditional (or old media) enterprises such as film, television and music overcome the threat of online piracy and file sharing? Author: XXXXXXX Tutor: XXXXXXXX The rise of the Internet era opened the whole new market for traditional media full of opportunities as well as threats. Online piracy being one of them because the music and film industry loses £5.4bn in a year and if it was reduced by 10% it could have created up to 13…

Words 3014 - Pages 13

History of Education and Professional Development Essay

policies (Schlager& Fusco, 2003, p. 205). Each community is different in many ways. By catering professional development opportunities to the community in which they will be used, this allows the teacher to gain more information that pertains to their student population and school system. Moreover, one opportunity for professional development that may be offered locally is workshops. Workshops are usually offered in the summer and last only a few days (Gibbs, H.J., 2004, p. 47). Workshops are convenient…

Words 4837 - Pages 20

Computer Networking: a Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet, 4th Edition - Solutions to Review Questions and Problems Essay

these delays are fixed, except for the queuing delays, which are variable. 17. Java Applet 18. 10msec; d/s; no; no 19. a) 500 kbps b) 62.5 seconds c) 100kbps; 312.5 seconds 20. End system A breaks the large file into chunks. To each chunk, it adds header generating multiple packets from the file. The header in each packet includes the address of the destination: end system B. The packet switch uses the destination address to determine the outgoing link. Asking which road to take is analogous to a packet…

Words 27808 - Pages 112

Essay on Social Media

people may find and share an enormous amount of sexual health knowledge. When they go online, they will not know accurately the personal information of others in the discussion and peer to peer relationships will facilitate the sharing of sexual health information. Learning about the sexual health knowledge from peers is much more effective than learning from other places (Spiranovic, Briggs, Kirkby, Mobsby &…

Words 1000 - Pages 4

Essay The Case of SOPA

This fact has instilled fear into many individuals and companies have lobbied the government to put a policy in place that can help stunt the growth of cybercrime. Unfortunately websites such as "Isohunt" have been developed that allows for the sharing of software, from one individual who buys the product to potentially millions of others for free. This is justifiably seen as thievery by many software companies. The United States government attempted to help combat these issues with a bill known…

Words 1551 - Pages 7

EPT Ass2 Essay

because of the rapidly changing and interconnected world in which we live, our youth 2 need to have a more holistic view of the world around them. They need to understand the natural and physical environment as well as the social side. Learning Outcomes 1. Interpreting, analysing, evaluating - Use comprehension strategies to understand and discuss texts listened to, viewed, or read independently. (ACELY1650) 2. Interacting with others - listen to and respond orally to texts and to the communication…

Words 2598 - Pages 11