Torrents. What they are and how do they work?

Essentially a torrent is a website which connects users throughout the globe who partake in file sharing in the form of peer to peer (P2P) for free. Izal (et al. 2004, 01) indicate that ‘BitTorrent is a realistic and inexpensive alternative to the classical server-based content distribution”. Downloading through the use of torrents in 99.9% of the time is illegal as downloading most of the content directly infringes their copyright laws. The downloading of files through torrent clients (such as ABC, BitCommet, BitFlu etc) utilised the BitTorrent protocol to download off BitTorrent directories (Isohunt, Mininova etc). Pouwelse (et al. 2005, 208) explains that “of the many P2P file-sharing issues prototypes in existence, BitTorrent is one of the few that has managed to attract millions of users”. The use of BitTorrent software to download content have become largely popular as a result of many downfalls in other downloading software such as Limewire and Kazaa. These problems include file corruption, broken files, embedded viruses and commonly misnamed files. Qui and Srikant (2004, 376) outline the several ways in BitTorrents have overcome many of the encumbering issues of P2P file sharing networks:

-Peer Evolution: the number of participating peers

-Scalability: stable ratio of increasing performance to increasing peers

-File Sharing Efficiency: the bandwidth of each peer is fully utilised

-Incentives to prevent free riding: negative contribution

One of the main set backs comes in the lack of structural social networking within the utilising community. Each BitTorrent client is unique however most enable the ability for online peer-to-peer communication as well as the ability to leave comments and suggestions as well as online help for fellow users. This allows for a more streamlined process with peers flagging errors located in individual files to save others from potential threats or wasted time. Each user has his or her online identity that is displayed through each BitTorrent website and can build character points for increased participation through commenting, recommending uploading and downloading. This merit system builds the credibility of the different users and alternatively those who aim at disrupting the community through malicious behaviour receive negative merit which warns other users of the potential threats involved. Users can also create what is essentially a brand name through the use of BitTorrents as they label the content they uploaded with their own digital signature. Once the user builds a high reputation and becomes recognised for his positive participation he or she will have a loyal fan base waiting for content to be uploaded with their signature on it. Users will then begin to build relationships with one another through common content interests. One may leave a comment on the quality of an item in which stems a conversation including those users whom are interested in similar content. Also upon downloading a file, the BitTorrent client will allow you to contact the person in which you are downloading from in aim to converse about the file or other things of interest that may be common to both users. The final product is a community in which aims to interact in order to solve common issues, discuss common interests and seek out like-minded individuals in aim to build their own horizons with new and exciting content.

References

Izal, M., G.U.Keller, E.W. Biersack, P.A. Felber, A. Al Hamra, and L. Garces-Enrice. 2004. Passive and Active Network Measurement. Session 1: P2P Overlay, 12 (5): 1-11.

Pouwelse, J., P. Garbacki, D. Epema, and H. Sips. 2005. System: Measurements and Analysis. Empirical Studies, 36490 (0302-9243): 205-216.

Qiu. D,. & Srikant, R. 2004. Modeling and performance analysis of BitTorrent-like peer-to-peer networks. Session: Distributed information systems, 34 (4): 367-378.