BitTorrent
BitTorrent doesn't look like other P2P networks: it uses peer-to-peer FileSharing mechanisms to help release huge files without the hassle and price of setting up big links, big servers, and mirrors (or in addition to that expensive approach). (?)
It divides shared data (a single file or a directory) into pieces, typically of 256 KiB. A SHA-1 checksum is computed for each piece, and used to check the piece has been correctly downloaded. The checksums are stored in a .torrent file, along with filenames and other metadata. The .torrent file also nominates a tracker, a Web resource that introduces peers to each other. Peers contact each other, learn what pieces they have available, request the rarest (least commonly seen) pieces first, and send requested pieces. (How similar is this to edonkey?)
Protocol description is freely available and extensions are publicly discussed and summarized as BitTorrent Enhancement Proposals.
How to use BitTorrent in MLDonkey
Additionally you can create torrents from local files and they will be automatically seeded and also tracked by builtin tracker (useful for example to share newly created torrents with friends in the local subnet without using external trackers).
How to RecoverBittorrentDownloads.
Features
| Feature | Reference | Support |
|---|---|---|
| BitTorrent | BEP 3 | Yes |
| Compact Peer List | BEP 23 | Yes |
| UDP trackers | BEP 15 | 3.0.5 |
| DHT | BEP 5 | CVS |
| IPv6 | No | |
| Peer exchange | PEX | No |
| Multitracker | BEP 12 | Yes |
| Encryption | MSE/PE | No |
| Port forwarding | UPnP | 3.0.6 |
| Port forwarding | NAT-PMP | 3.0.6 |
| Local Peer Discovery | LPD | No |
| Selective multi-file downloads | CVS |
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