Peer-to-peer is a style of networking in which a group of computers communicate directly with each other, rather than through a central server. Apeer-to-peer (or P2P) computer network refers to any network with a number of peer nodes that function as both clients and servers to the other nodes on the network. This model of network arrangement contrasts with the client-server model. Any node is able to initiate or complete any supported transaction. Peer nodes may differ in local configuration, processing speed, network bandwidth and storage quantity. Popular examples of P2P are file-sharing networks.

Technically, a true peer-to-peer application must implement only peering protocols that do not recognize the concepts of "server" and "client". Such pure peer applications and networks are rare. Most networks and applications described as peer-to-peer actually contain or rely on some non-peer elements, such as DNS. Also, real world applications often use multiple protocols and act as client, server and peer simultaneously or over time. Completely decentralized networks of peers have been in use for many years; two examples include USENET (1979) and FidoNet (1984).

On the Internet, peer-to-peer (referred to as P2P) is a type of transient Internet network that allows a group of computer users with the same networking program to connect with each other and directly access files from one another's hard drives. Napster, Gnutella and Kazaa are examples of this kind of peer-to-peer software.

Peer-to-peer architecture and technologies are now widely deployed by leading vendors. IBM's Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) is an example of a product that supports the peer-to-peer communication model.

The Peer to Peer Communication:

Peer to Peer Networking

Related Terms: Client/Server

Reference Links: http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~kunwadee/research/p2p/: Peer to Peer Content Distribution