Peer-to-peer communications

Also commonly referred to as P2P, P-to-P and P2P communications, peer-to-peer communication refers to the transmission between two peer computers over a network. P2P became widely known by computer users as they began sharing MP3s and other files over P2P networks. For example, Napster is an example of a P2P software application. After downloading and installing this program users were able to connect with other computers, search for songs, and download any of them freely.

• See document CH001042 for additional information about the legality of P2P and file sharing.

Also see: Bittorrent, Cloud computing, File sharing, Gnutella, KaZaA, LimeWire, Napster, Network definitions, Peer, Peer-to-peer network