P2P File Sharing

File sharing is uploading or providing different types of digitally stored data such as documents, music, video games, or eBooks through the use of a computer network. Older forms of file sharing required a central server that users had to upload to first before another user could access the shared file. A new form of file sharing is P2P file sharing.  P2P file sharing is when you share a file using a peer to peer network; files can be directly shared through users without the need for a central server. Through a p2p network a user can share any file they have on their computer without the need to formally upload it to a server first. This can pose some security risks for a user if they are unaware of which folders they are sharing however overall P2P file sharing is more reliable and quicker than traditional centralized file sharing.

Currently one of the most popular P2P file sharing example is BitTorrent. According to the article “File sharing joins the mainstream” by Chris Nuttall, BitTorrent accounts for 40-50% of all internet traffic. BitTorrent is P2P program that breaks up files into smaller pieces. This allows for files to be downloaded quicker because it spreads the resources between multiple users on a file sharing network. Similar to other forms of P2P file sharing BitTorrent is also being used to download copyrighted content illegally but companies are also seeing the potential in harnessing the technology for their own use. BitTorrent’s technology of Delivery Network Accelerator (DNA) can be used in conjunction with existing content delivery networks (CDNs) of a company. As demand on a company’s website increases they usually have to increase their infrastructure however with the use of P2P technology users can replace the extra infrastructure because they are providing the network with more ways to download a favorite episode or other content.  With the advance of P2P technology it only seems logical that companies find ways to benefit from the technology. In 2007 BitTorrent alternative Azureus already had a content partnership with BBC and Showtime to upload high definition videos on their website Vuze using P2P technology.