A degree-optimal, ordered peer-to-peer overlay network

Abstract

Peer-to-peer overlay networks are structures for organizing nodes, routing traffic, and searching for data in a distributed system. Two of the most important theoretical advancements in this area were the development of degree-optimal and ordered networks. Prior to this work, it was not known whether both properties could be achieved simultaneously. This thesis presents Family Trees, the first peer-to-peer overlay network that is both degree-optimal and ordered. We develop Family Trees theoretically, proving correctness and bounds on their performance. We also describe how Family Trees can be optimized to improve latency and discuss the results of an experimental study showing that Family Trees provide good performance in practice.