Using the complementary nature of node joining and leaving to handle churn problem in P2P networks

Churn is a basic and inherent problem in P2P networks. A lot of relevant studies have been carried out, but all lack versatility. In this paper, a general solution is proposed which makes a peer-to-peer (P2P) network need not pay much attention to churn problem by introducing a logic layer named Dechurn, and most of churn could be eliminated in the Dechurn layer. For utilizing the complementary nature of node joining and leaving, a network scheme, named Constellation, for handling churn is designed on the Dechurn layer through which the resources cached in a node for its spouse node who has left network would be succeeded by a node in latent period. The simulation results indicate that the proposed solution is effective and efficient in handling churn and easy to put into practice.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We use the complementary nature of node joining and leaving to tackle churn problem. ► The lifetime of a node is divided into four stages based on the concept of latent period. ► We present a novel quantitative method for accurately calculating churn rate.