The follow up BitTorrent paper.

Chinnapong Somsueb

ID# 1671071

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file distribution protocol. It is using the distribution of large amounts of data widely without the original distributor incurring the whole of the corresponding costs of hardware, hosting or bandwidth resources. It was originally run under the BitTorrent Open Source License. There are several compatible clients who can use this type of protocol, written in a variety of programming languages, and run on a number of computing platforms. There are several advantages to BitTorrent protocol such as legalized protocol, alternative distribution channels, utilization of computer and networking resources, and an innovation of internet technology.

Unlike some peer to peer applications, the BitTorrent implementation is open source. BitTorrent itself does not offer a search feature to find files and makes no attempt to cover the host ultimately responsible for facilitating the sharing. Noticeably, there are several legal uses of BitTorrent protocol, such as a distribution channel of companies and individually owned or licensed materials, Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service), a scalable internet-based storage service, and the distribution channels of free and open source software. For that reason, this is a good opportunity for businesses to find ways to expand.

Moreover, BitTorrent could be a distribution channel for samples of music, videos or movies in order to lunch them into the market. This alternative would be a channel for internet and torrent users who might not be reached by other media. The market of both new artists and open source software would be spread through BitTorrent.

In addition, BitTorrent protocol allows the usefulness of computer and networking resources to become more effective. In replacement of using the client-server model, BitTorrent uses similar technology in the peer-to-peer method. Therefore, every computer represents peers who function both as clients as leechers and severs as seeders, who use the same torrent. As a result, a large number of files will be distributed and delivered throughout the internet without loading them onto any particular server.

New innovations or technology would be created to support the use of this innovation. As it is one of internet protocols which was innovated in order to find alternate methods of file distribution. If any technology becomes successful, the improvement or new technology will come after that success. In particular, programmers are free to take the BitTorrent source code to the program and modify it for particular purposes. The success of BitTorrent could encourage upcoming innovation. Thereafter, we will have more advanced technology in the future.

Even though BitTorrent boasts the advantages stated above, there are some disadvantages such as copyright and legal issues, computer security and networking problems, and networking resources. However, we can protect users from these disadvantages by avoiding any inappropriate websites and software and using it for a specific purpose. Furthermore, we should be aware of our own risk and protect our vulnerable data from any threats. Finally, people have a right to use any software that they want to in a proper manner. Thus, we can gain several benefits from this protocol, such as a legitimate protocol, an alternative channel of file distribution, utilization of computer and networking resources, and an innovation of internet technology.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitTorrent

http://dessent.net/btfaq/