A new algorithm for combating free-riders in structured P2P networks

Abstract

The strength of a peer-to-peer (P2P) network depends on collaboration of participant nodes in file sharing. Free-riders are nodes that join the network and download files without sharing any files to be downloaded by others. In this paper, we introduce a novel algorithm to motivate nodes of structured P2P networks to share files and to limit downloads of free-riders. We measure effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm using simulation and show that the algorithm significantly reduces percent of downloads of free-riders. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.