Abstract

Peer-to-peer networking enjoys euphoric support and fierce resistance simultaneously, and for the same reasons. It presents a model where decentralization and lack of structure, hierarchy and control are promoted. Although significant research is carried out to tackle individual issues arising from that paradigm, there has been no obvious approach for evening out differences on a more general basis. In this paper we introduce a framework and provide implementation techniques for such an approach. The framework aims at integrating partial techniques that solve individual problems and has been designed for flexibility. The integrated approach we are proposing includes forming and maintaining of peer-to-peer overlays, controlling the underlying topology being formed, limiting the signaling traffic being generated and optimizing the payload traffic. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book