With the advent of artificial intelligence, the world has accepted new trends in technology and a new wave of revolution has emerged throughout the world. With the new transition in technology and in the world of artificial intelligence, a new model of network is getting more and more popular known as peer-to-peer networks. Although this network is no new thing in the tech world, it has become extremely popular in this new era. A peer-to-peer network in simple words is a combined networking of computers. Although P2P has been in talks for a while now, it was first used in the late 70s. Now you must be wondering how this network system works. This networking works with the help of a network of computers where each device is used as a node for information transfer. Every node is used as a server, however, there is no single centrally used server throughout the network chamber. One of the best advantages of this is that the transfer of information becomes extremely smooth and simple. It also helps in breaking down and connecting the nodes into simpler and equal workloads. On top of this, these nodes are not dependent on each other to work, hence, if you wish to stop them from resuming the work, you need to do that with every node individually.
Now, before we jump onto the features of P2P, first understand the beginning from where this all started! P2P replaced a well-used network known as USENET which was first introduced in 1979. USENET was one of the first advanced achievements in the tech world as it equipped users with the features like reading and also posting messages. P2P networks were first put to use when personal computers were developed. The first ever P2P network was built with the aim to provide the facility of sharing messages and connecting over text messages. This network was known as Internet Relay Chat and was launched in August 1988. Roughly around 11 years later, Napster was introduced. The added feature of this P2P file-sharing software was that it was enabled to transfer audio files too! However, with the growing usage of this software, the usage started getting deviated, and illegal sharing of files started via the software. This became a major concern and as a result, Napster had to be shut down immediately. However, this software was successful in familiarizing the world with the concept of P2P and its possibilities which needed to be developed.
Now that we have understood this network’s history, let’s discuss some of the best features of P2P networks;
- In today’s scenario, every operating system that we come across is enabled with P2P networks.
- When compared with client-server networks, P2P offers a much better experience to its users. This is because it not only utilizes the resources but also makes them available to its users. The best part of this is that it increases the resources available. P2P is more complex and dynamic which requires specialized programs. With P2P networks you can easily expand your bandwidth of sharing resources between different networks.
- In order to keep the experience simple and smooth, P2P networks have a few nodes which do not exceed more than 12.
- With the dynamic accessibility of nodes as clients and servers, also imposes a major threat of hacking and data leaks.
Now the question which arises is how we can use this P2P network in the most effective and efficient manner. Let us discuss a few ways how you can use them in a secure way;
- Detecting possible malware and viruses via scanning: This is one of the most integral and initial steps. In order to ensure that the file being downloaded is safe from any sort of viruses and malware, a quick scan is always the best approach for a safer experience.
- Log off from your P2P network properly after you use it: Well, this one is quite simple! With the increased threat of third parties leaking your information, it is really important that you cut off any means through which hackers can sneak into your personal data in the network. In a case where you have closed all the windows, however, the program is still active in the background, the gateway can be easily breached in such cases as the network is still live on your device.
- Including and installing only legal programs: With the increase in the availability of third-party apps as well as cracked versions of authentic apps, it is really important to ensure that the data you use and install in your device is completely legal and is not a cracked or a fake version. It is also advised that you always cross-check the files which you are about to download on your computer.
- Keeping the security measures up to date: Having a strong firewall can turn out to be a great investment for you when you are at risk of getting your files hacked. You need to be aware of the updated guidelines of cyber security and the possible threats which can occur to you. Always keep your systems and the anti-virus software up to date.
P2P networks also hold some great applications which can change the entire ball game! Let us have a look;
- Direct message: Now with the help of P2P networks, direct messaging is possible with just a click of a finger. This has become a reality because of the encrypted tools used by both the sender and receiver which in fact offers a safe, effective, fast, and dynamic experience of communication.
- An increasing number of file-sharing networks: With the help of networks like BitTorrent and Vuze, P2P technologies are now becoming more and more popularized and accepted amongst customers.
- More convenient File sharing: There is no doubt that P2P networks are indeed user-friendly and provide a great experience to their users. With P2P networks, you do not actually require any complex server for your data-sharing processes.
Pros and Cons of P2P networks: it is true that P2P networks are highly promising, however, we also need to understand the pros and cons which come along with these networks. No doubt that P2P networks have emerged as cheap and easy-to-maintain software. You save a lot on the server cost as the nodes in the network itself are like servers which eliminates the cost of installing an expensive server. The customization and modification in the networks are quite easy as a user can easily modify the nodes in the network as per your ease.P2P also offers you less traffic on the network when it is compared directly with a client or a central server.
However, with these pros, the P2P networks also come along with some disadvantages. One of the biggest disadvantages of these networks is the lack of a central server. This as a result makes your data prone to getting erased as it is not backed up completely. As every node is individual, there is always a concern about security. Being a public network, the P2P network is quite slow as it is used by multiple users throughout which results in compromising the performance and overall speed of the program. These P2P networks are broad of three levels. The first level is the initial stage which is responsible for establishing the P2P network between systems with the help of a USB. The second stage is a more advanced level which uses copper wires for the connections of more than two devices. The last one is the most advanced level as it enables protocols with the assistance of skilled software which can in return take numerous devices on board available throughout the internet.
The world has adapted to artificial intelligence and its advancements. This has created a new revolution across the globe aimed at providing a great and effective experience to users. Peer to Peer networks is a true milestone for the tech world as it is a foundation for the transformation of the systems offered currently and also the ones expected in the future. As of 2021, the global P2P lending market had a valuation of a massive USD 82,300 million. This number is expected to boom even higher by the end of 2030 to a valuation of more than USD 804,200. This growth is expected at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.1%. These statistics are proof of the potential which this technology holds in transforming the future dynamically. If this transition is taken care of properly, it will be quite evident that Artificial Intelligence will change the entire ball game of how we even think of conducting our work.
Author- Toshank Bhardwaj, AI Content Creator
