Three Generations of P2P

Traditional Definition of Peer-to-Peer Networks

" A type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. This differs from client/server architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the others." (Source: Webopedia)

A peer-to-peer network may be as simple as two computers at home sharing a printer, or as complex as thousands of computers exchanging millions of files through Internet P2P software.

Popular Internet P2P file-sharing has evolved through three generations, to the form it exists as today:

1st Generation

Initially, P2P networks relied on a central directory of files available for download. The United States courts eventually ruled that the company or individual controlling such a list would be liable for any illegal activities that might occur because of this information, including copyright violations. This resulted in the closure of the original Napster.

2nd Generation

The P2P networks that followed in Napster’s wake (e.g. Gnutella and Kazaa) made use of decentralized file lists. This arrangement is still open to potential copyright abuse because of technical limitations that prevent P2P networks from filtering out copyrighted content.

3rd Generation

Current P2P file-sharing networks are built upon optimized versions of the previous P2P generations, retaining or incorporating the features that made such networks reliable and efficient. There are 2 types of current generation P2P networks:

Friend-to-friend (e.g. Metanet, WASTE, MUTE)

The network is defined by degrees of familiarity or relationships between users. Users depend on the endorsement of other users for access to files.

Anonymous (e.g. GNUnet, Entropy, Freenet)

Much like the first and second generations of P2P networks, file-sharing is primarily based on the availability of files.

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