Behavior characterization and performance evaluation of a hybrid P2P file sharing system

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks show a set of distinctive features which increase the need to previously simulate the new proposals. In order to perform an adequate evaluation of a P2P application, it is necessary a real characterization of the queries behavior and the node dynamism. After validating the new P2P algorithm by means of simulation, developers have the possibility to prove a real P2P application instance in an emulated environment. In each step, the detected errors or misbehaviors are appropriately corrected. The main contribution of this paper is twofold: first, to adequately characterize the real behavior of P2P overlay networks (including dynamic and static aspects) and second, evaluate a real P2P overlay network under the above constraints using one of the most popular (high level and user friendly) simulation frameworks.