Peer-to-Peer in the Evolved NGN of the Future Internet

One of the driving forces in the Internet is the use of Peer-to-peer (P2P) applications. P2P traffic has been measured to be a major component in the overall traffic landscape in the Internet. The properties of P2P networks in terms of reliability and scalability are making it an interesting area of research. Combined with latest advances of directly supporting virtualization in core network elements, we are considering the integration of P2P-based mechanisms deeply in the architecture of the Future Internet, So far, three areas of research for synergies of evolved Next Generation Networks (NGNs) and P2P technologies have been identified in research at FOKUS to be applied in Future Internet work.

1. P2P in core network
   In this area of research, P2P principles are analyzed and modified to scale up servers. An example is a SIP registrar, being scaled up to a private P2P network of multiple instances (server nodes), sharing load and achieving a nearly arbitrary degree of failure resilience.
   
2. P2P between access networks
   P2P distribution mechanisms are used to minimize cross-network traffic for media delivery. Cross-network traffic is a very annoying effect, when using structured P2P networks which have no relation to the physical network topology. This area of research aims on developing models for a distributed P2P based media storage and distribution, bringing content closer to the user.
   
3. P2P between user clients
   This area reflects the classic point of view of P2P applications which are P2P networks, created from user nodes. Typical applications are file sharing or Live-TV streaming.

The previously introduced research areas imply many subtopics on P2P, which are related to concrete projects and funded by the European Union. The following gives a short overview of the topics:

• AAA for P2P networks: The lack of AAA in P2P networks is a problem which causes P2P networks to stay out of most business cases. Research is focusing on providing initial points of trust.

• QoS for P2P networks: As users usually do not have access to the control of intermediate routers, Quality of Service (QoS) is a problem. Evolved NGN resource admission and control elements can help here.

• P2P Content security: Provision of an evolved NGN based DRM architecture for P2P content distribution.

• Scalable Media Delivery (P2P): Integration of P2P media delivery in evolved NGN based architectures.

• Scalable Media Storage (P2P): Research for smart media storing strategies in provider networks, e.g. access networks, for effective content streaming.

• Scalable Media Delivery (MBMS+SVC): Utilization of Multicast over UMTS networks for media delivery. Scalable video coding (SVC) is used to achieve adaptation in quality due to bandwidth limitation or changes.

• Interactive mobile TV services: As a part of the evolved NGN, such services are focusing on the mobile user and its current environment. Typical services in this area are location aware services like tourist guides or area related shopping information.

• Personalized Multimedia services: This reflects directly the commercial side of multimedia customization like enhanced advertisement insertion and selection technologies or context reasoning and profile matching for advanced mobile services.

P2P topics related to VITAL++ and C-Cast

The above listed topics are central working packages of two FP7 EU-projects, namely VITAL++ and C-Cast. For more information please have a look on the official project websites.