How do we define 'true p2p'

Question

I have seen a number of questions in which the term 'true p2p' is used. What exactly is meant by this term, if it has an exact meaning? I am familiar with the term p2p, and I can think of several possible meanings for 'true p2p'. What does it mean to you?

What are some examples of:

a) 'true' p2p?

b) 'untrue p2p'

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 24 '11 at 05:13

2

I think that by "true P2P" you mean "pure P2P".

Pure P2P means totally decentralization. I.e. true P2P doesnt have a central coordinator server.

answered Jun 24 '11 at 05:13

André Puel

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score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 25 '11 at 20:30

I think I would differ slightly from Tom - I think a piece of software can be regarded as peer-to-peer if peer communication is a substantial part of the way it works. So Skype and Napster are/were P2P even though they require co-ordinating servers.

I've not come across the term 'true P2P' - it may be referring to the fact that some people use it as a marketing buzzword without knowing what it means.

How do we define 'true p2p'

2 Answers2