Verizon Warms to File Swappers, Adopts Next-Gen P2P Tech

Verizon says it will work with, not fight, peer-to-peer file swappers on its network with a new technology called Proactive network Provider Participation (or P4P). Verizon says this technology can solve the bandwidth utilization challenges that surround peer-to-peer technology. Verizon's approach is in stark contrast to Comcast approach to P2P file swapping. Comcast is currently embroiled a controversy surrounding its admitted practice of slowing P2P traffic on its network.

It's unclear if the implementation of P4P technology would have any impact on the massive volumes of pirated content that is swapped online using P2P networks. However, Verizon has publicly stated its interesting in working with P2P companies that deliver legitimate media.

The P2P method for file distribution is currently a very dominant force online piracy. What is unique about Verizon's approach is that rather than trying to combat the swapping of pirated music, movies, games, and software over P2P networks it will seemingly deemphasize fighting piracy. Instead it will address the enormous costs ISPs, such as Verizon, have when forced to pay for overwhelming large amounts of bandwidth used to transmit files over P2P networks to Verizon customers. Verizon's P4P technology will cut cost by managing its customers bandwidth more efficiently.

P4P Explainer

P2P technology works by constantly downloading and simultaneously uploading data to other users. The kicker is that the other users are selected randomly. Therefore uploading data to people all across the globe can skyrocket prices for the ISP.

The P4P technology works by controlling what peers a PC connects with. Rather than uploading to people in Europe or Asia at random, P4P technology will ensure that you only upload and download from other Verizon customers in your region.

This, Verizon says, could significantly cut bandwidth costs from the providers end, but still keep the end user happy. In research studies, Verizon has learned that cooperating with the file sharers on a network can provide faster speed and much happier users than trying to throttle, or eliminate file sharing altogether, as seen with Comcast.

Of course, Verizon does want to focus its attention to services that delivery legitimate and legal media. Reports are saying that the service will be ready as early as next month with Pando, a software NBC will be using to deliver television content.

Comments

This is a great article. About all I can add is that participation in the P4P Working Group is free and open to all ISP's and P2P companies and researchers. For more information, there's a short writeup at http://www.pandonetworks.com/p4p, and you can contact us for more information:

Laird Popkin, laird@pando.com
Doug Pasko, doug.pasko@verizon.com
Marty Lafferty, marty@dcia.info

laird

March 15, 2008

12:14 AM PT