P2P vs. BitTorrent: Download Speed Differences

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perceived differences in download speeds between BitTorrent and other P2P programs, particularly focusing on user experiences and technical factors affecting performance. Participants explore the nature of BitTorrent as a P2P network and discuss configurations that may influence download speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that BitTorrent downloads are slower than P2P programs like BearShare, questioning the expected speed advantages of BitTorrent.
  • Another participant clarifies that BitTorrent is a type of P2P network, suggesting that comparisons may not be valid and attributing speed variations to factors like swarm size and network configuration.
  • Technical issues such as improper router or firewall setup and the necessity of port forwarding are highlighted as potential reasons for slow download speeds in BitTorrent.
  • There are strong negative opinions expressed about BearShare, with one participant warning against its use due to security concerns.
  • Another participant reminisces about the gnutella networks, expressing a preference for BitTorrent while acknowledging its past popularity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of BitTorrent compared to other P2P programs. There is no consensus on the reasons for speed differences, as various technical factors and personal experiences are discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific technical configurations and personal experiences, but there are no definitive solutions or universally applicable conclusions drawn from the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for users interested in understanding the performance of different P2P networks and the technical factors that can affect download speeds.

Nothing000
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Everytime I use BitTorrent it downloads stuff slower than when I download stuff with P2P programs, such as BearShare. I thought that BitTorrent was supposed to allow users to download stuff faster than P2P. What is the deal?
 
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BitTorrent is a type of P2P network, so it doesn't make any sense to compare P2P vs. BitTorrent.

Your speed depends on the swarm, and also on your network configuration. I have participated in BitTorrent swarms that took ages and ages to finish, since there were only a couple of peers, and I've also participated in swarms that were quite quick. Also, many clients throttle connections that upload very slowly, so you have to have a reasonably good upload speed to expect good download spees.

Read some of the BitTorrent FAQs around on the web, and go through their speed sections. You might find that you just have something misconfigured.

- Warren
 
Generally if you have slow download speeds (in BT) its usually attributed to improper router/firewall setup. You must enable port forwarding. In your router configuration page, forward the particular port that your BT client uses (example 6881) to your local IP.
 
and, for the record, never EVER use BearShare. It has more diseases than any hooker in the world.
 
kurushio95 said:
and, for the record, never EVER use BearShare. It has more diseases than any hooker in the world.
What is a good P2P network apart from Bearshare and BitTorret?
 
The gnutella networks used to be rocking. But IMO, nothing can compare to BitTorrent. Its come along way.
 
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