A Configurable Overlay Network Architecture

Abstract

The application area of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks has grown in the last years. In a recent work the authors introduced a peer-to-peer overlay network based on the super peer model. In order to implement this overlay network the development of core P2P functions is required. These functions include peer organization, identification, message routing and fault tolerance among others. Different P2P frameworks were considered including JXTA and JGroups. In general, these frameworks provide a set of basic functionalities to facilitate P2P application development. However, they require extensive internal modifications for developing our P2P, because they already define the basic building blocks without the required flexibility. This paper introduces a configurable overlay network architecture for the development of core P2P functions. The architecture is based on the processing of messages, events and states. Thus, it is possible to translate a protocol definition based on a Finite State Machine into this architecture. On the other hand, a dynamic behavior definition is supported in order to introduce flexibility. Both features are suitable to implement a P2P overlay network.