Free-Riding Analysis of BitTorrent-Like Peer-to-Peer Networks
Jiadi Yu, Minglu Li, Feng Hong, Guangtao Xue · 2006
BitTorrent is a very popular P2P file sharing system. It has been successful at distributing large files quickly and efficiently. Embedded in BitTorrent is a set of incentive mechanisms to encourage sharing and contribute, and prevent systematic free-riding. In this paper, a fluid model with two classes of peers is used to capture the effect of free-riding in a BitTorrent system. With the model, we explore how does free-riding influenced the BitTorrent system. From results, it is shown that BitTorrent mechanism is successful to guard against free-riding. Finally, we discuss the dying process of a BitTorrent system and the probability of system dead that is induced by free-riding