Peer-to-peer file sharing

Peer-to-peer file sharing distributes files among networked devices that act as both senders and receivers, often without a central file server.

BitTorrent: A peer-to-peer protocol that distributes files in pieces among participating computers. Its swarms let many peers upload and download different pieces of the same file.
InterPlanetary File System: A peer-to-peer network protocol for addressing and distributing content by cryptographic identifiers. IPFS applies peer exchange to persistent, content-addressed distribution beyond ordinary file swarms.
Client-server model: A network architecture in which clients request services or resources from centralized servers. It contrasts with file sharing in which participating devices also serve other participants.
Copyright infringement: Use of copyrighted material that violates an exclusive right without authorization or a legal exception. Sharing copyrighted works without permission has made file-sharing networks a major site of disputes.
Distributed hash table: A decentralized lookup system that stores key-value mappings across networked computers. Some peer-to-peer networks use it to find peers without a central tracker.
Gnutella: A decentralized peer-to-peer protocol originally used for searching and sharing files. Its query-based network is a landmark example of decentralized file sharing.
File hosting service: An online service that stores files on provider-controlled servers for access or download. A hosted download places storage and distribution responsibility on the provider.
Napster: A music-sharing service launched in 1999 that used centralized indexing to connect users exchanging MP3 files. Its rapid growth and shutdown brought online music sharing into public and legal debate.
Tracker (BitTorrent): A server that helps BitTorrent clients discover peers sharing a torrent. Trackers coordinate peer discovery while leaving file transfers to the peers.
eDonkey network: A peer-to-peer file-sharing network that uses servers and clients to locate shared files. It combines server-assisted discovery with transfers between users.

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