Supernode

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A supernode is a computer that serves as a node in a peer-to-peer network. Supernodes act as temporary index servers for other slower clients and thus increase the scalability of the network . The supernode functionality is built into the client software and every user, assuming a certain bandwidth and a powerful PC, can turn his computer into a supernode.

In order to be able to successfully connect to the network at all, a list of IP addresses of some supernodes is permanently programmed into the client. The client first tries to establish a connection to you and, if successful, it calls up a list of currently active supernodes that are also used for future connection attempts. The client selects a supernode, to which it uploads a list of its offered files and via which it now also makes all search queries. The supernode communicates with other supernodes in order to fulfill search requests from clients. If a searched file is found, the client establishes a direct connection to the source and the file is transferred via HTTP .

FastTrack

To enable users to download from multiple sources, the FastTrack protocol relies on the UUHash hash function. For very large files, checksums can be created very quickly with UUHash, even on less powerful computers. However, massive falsifications / corruptions of a file go unnoticed. The RIAA in particular exploits this vulnerability to distribute fake or defective files in the network.