Peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic refers to the data exchange between individual devices in a decentralized network, where each participant acts both as a client and a server. Unlike traditional client-server models, where data is served from a centralized source, P2P traffic relies on direct communication between nodes.

Key characteristics of P2P traffic include:

  • Decentralized Communication: Each device in the network shares resources and data with other devices directly.
  • Bandwidth Efficiency: As files are transferred between peers, the overall load on any single server is reduced.
  • Enhanced Privacy: Since there is no central server, users may have more control over their data privacy.

Important: P2P traffic can sometimes be used for illegal activities, such as file sharing without proper licensing, which makes monitoring and regulation challenging.

P2P traffic is commonly associated with applications like torrenting, VoIP services, and blockchain networks. These applications distribute the load across multiple devices, allowing for efficient resource utilization. However, this decentralized approach can also lead to security concerns.