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What is peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing?
Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is a system of sharing files directly between network users, without the assistance or the interference of a central server. The decentralized nature of peer-to-peer file sharing removes the need for a central server, and removes the possibility of centralized control.
Because peer-to-peer file sharing networks do not require a central server, they are more scalable and more redundant than centralized file sharing schemes.
Peer-to-peer file sharing networks are also more resistant to legal attacks, because there is no one central entity to file a lawsuit against. To attack a peer-to-peer file sharing network, a claimant must file suits against individual network users.
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Networks
There are many peer-to-peer file sharing networks in operation. The main peer-to-peer file sharing networks are Gnutella, DirectConnect, eDonkey2000, FastTrack, and OpenNap.
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Clients
Peer-to-peer file sharing clients will often change support for peer-to-peer file sharing networks. A few peer-to-peer clients support more than one network.
| Peer-to-Peer Network | Clients |
|---|---|
| Ares | Ares |
| Blubster | Blubster |
| FileSpree | FileSpree |
| Filetopia | Filetopia |
| Gnutella | AquaLime, BearShare, FileNavigator, FreeWire, Gnucleus, LimeWire, Phex, Shareaza, Xolox Ultra |
| DirectConnect | Direct Connect, DC++, Koala DC, MLDonkey, ShakesPeer, DCTC |
| eDonkey2000 | eDonkey2000, eMule |
| FastTrack | Morpheus, KaZaA, KaZaA Lite, Grokster, iMesh |
| OpenNap | Napster, Shuban, AudioGnone, AudioSwap, CQ EX, File Navigator, Rapigator, Spotlight, StaticNap, SunshineUN, Swaptor, WinMX |
| Overnet | Overnet, eDonkey2000, MLdonkey |
| Kad | eMule, MLDonkey, AMule |
| Piolet | Piolet |
| Freenet | Freenet, Entropy, Frost, Freenet / Entropy Controller for Darwin |
| Entropy | Entropy, Frost, Freenet / Entropy Controller for Darwin |
| WASTE | WASTE |
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