On the Role of Helper Peers in P2P Networks
Shay Horovitz, Danny Dolev · InTech eBooks · 2010
In this chapter, we presented the evolution of helper peers in P2P file sharing and streaming networks. We presented advanced designs of helpers that integrate machine learning for reaching stability in throughput. We believe that helpers will play a crucial role in the design of future P2P networks, as it enables P2P to compete with both service availability and stability of traditional clientserver systems but with much larger scalability. The next required step is to embed and adapt the mentioned ideas onto large scale P2P networks and measure their benefits under different scenarios. In addition, it will be interesting to analyze different topologies of networks of helper peers. For example, a two-tier helper network might manage 2 different classes of helpers, a hash ring of helpers, a tree of helpers and other topologies.