Decentralized server - How do they work

[jian2587]

I've a question regarding decentralized server:
I don't know how to describe it but I'd use WinMX as an example:
WinMX doesn't have a centralized server. So when you connect
it just search for other WinMX users randomly.

So how does it search for other WinMX users without referring
first to a centralized server?
My first thought is random ping, but this is impossible since
IP has 255^4 combinations.

Any ideas?

[plenderj]

There are centralized address servers that list the addresses of those decentralized data serves.

So the client connects to one of the main centralized servers and receives the latest list of data servers, and then the client can connect to those decentralized data servers to look for files.

[jian2587]

Obviously, they need one!

I just read an article on decentralized server architecture, it
seems that you've to either enter the remote IP urself or have
one pre-programmed into the software.

So, anyhow u still need a centralized server. Now that really
confuse me. If Gnutella or WinMX has a preset IP in their
software, that means there's a central server, right?
And exactly why RIAA doesn't sue these central servers?

[plenderj]

Because the central servers aren't providing any illegal files to download.
They're simply providing server addresses from whence one could download files.

And applications like WinMX aren't always used for software piracy.
There is pornography, as well as a few other things that are perfectly legal to download.


So these applications simply provide a way to share files.
They don't necessarily provide a way to share illegal files.

[jian2587]

But they're conducing it. Is that legal?

I mean, u've one permanent IP preset into ur P2P software, and
whenever u want to join the network, u go through this IP,
then u start to search and d/l.

Especially WinMX, it has an interface specially designed for MP3
searching. Isn't that illegal? It's conducing music piracy.

[plenderj]

I think the word you're looking for is "condoning".
But anyway, mp3 is just a file format.
Granted most mp3 files are pirated copies of songs, but its still just a sound format.

Its like say that if you're distributing .exe files that they're pirated apps or viruses.
Or if you're distributing .pdf files that they're pirated e-books...

[jian2587]

oh thx plenderj, u've enlightened me!