What is a DHT Network?

A DHT network is a distributed hash table network. What a DHT network does is allow people from multiple places to share information in a peer-to-peer style file sharing. The DHT network allows people to search for specific terms to find something that they are looking for. Searches are usually done in name, value form. Search terms can be done in several different types of settings, depending on how the owners of the table set it up.

Identification

It is easy to tell what a DHT network looks like. Usually most file sharing programs such as Napster and similar programs use a distributed hash table. File sharing programs are not the only people who use DHT networks. Search engines use DHT networks to look up what search terms are the most popular and what different parts of the search engine most people use most frequently.

History

The first DHT networks started around 2001. Napster had one of the first distributed hash tables in use. However, many other programs soon started to use the DHT network. Freenet was another trailblazer in the use of distributed hash tables. Since the DHT network is such a new concept, there is a lot of room for changes and other increases in technology and the number of things that can be found through one. The use of a DHT network might be used for government work to keep track of criminals or something similar.

Function

The main function of a DHT network is to provide a way for different users on different computers a way to access the data. A DHT network is similar to the internet, but has a more specific focus and way to search for terms. One of the drawbacks to a DHT network is that keywords have to find an exact match in the system. Future systems may allow for slight deviations in search terms. With the use of a DHT network users can find data that they need quickly and with little hassle.

Size

The size of DHT networks vary. Most of they are fairly large. The number of users determines how large the network is. Each user on their computers has to decide what files they want to share. The overall number of files determines the size of the network. Some DHT networks are very small, while others are quite large. Usually they start small and build up from there to a much larger size.

Benefits

The benefits to a DHT network are quite numerous. It is possible for people who need to share data quickly who live far away from each other to still share that information quickly. A DHT network also allows people to access each other's computers from a remote location. Future DHT networks may allow people to share physical objects through a DHT network as well. That would be very beneficial to many different communities. A DHT network also provides a benefit to the medical community because they can share case files and other patient information quickly when necessary.

Resources

• Forum regarding DHT Networks