A survey of simulators for P2P overlay networks with a case study of the P2P tree overlay using an event-driven simulator

Abstract

Implementation of a P2P (Peer-to-Peer) overlay network directly on the realistic network environments is not a feasible initiative as scalability is a major challenge for P2P. The implementation of newly created P2P networks must be analyzed, well tested and evaluated through experiments by researchers and organizations. Various simulators have been developed to analyze and simulate P2P protocols before applying to real applications. However, selection of an appropriate simulator suitable for a given application requires a prior comprehensive survey of P2P simulators. The existing literature survey of P2P simulators has limitations viz. (i) all P2P related simulators have not been included, (ii) all design criteria for comparison and appropriate selection of the simulator may not be considered, (iii) appropriate practical application through the simulation has not been presented to enhance the outcome of a survey. To overcome these limitations, we survey existing simulators with classifications, additional design parameters, limitations and comparison using various criteria. In addition, we discuss about common interface concept that creates a generic application to make the implementation of targeted application portable. Not only that, we present a case study of implementation of BATON (BAlanced Tree Overlay Network) and BATON* using an event-driven model of PeerSim simulator that helps the developers to simulate the tree overlays efficiently.

Keywords

• Distributed computing
• Peer-to-Peer systems
• Overlay networks
• Peer-to-Peer simulators
• Network simulation