What is peers in torrent download

The BitTorrent protocol can be used to reduce the server and network impact of distributing large files.

Using the BitTorrent protocol, several basic computers, such as home computers, can replace large servers while efficiently distributing files to many recipients. This lower bandwidth usage also helps prevent large spikes in internet traffic in a given area, keeping internet speeds higher for all users in general, regardless of whether or not they use the BitTorrent protocol.

Leechers are those who are downloading and uploading at the same time. If a user starts sharing a file that he already has, and downloads what other users have already uploaded or are in the process of uploading a torrent file, he becomes a leecher. The process of uploading and downloading continues simultaneously. In fact, a leecher tends to download files that are not present in the system resources and starts sharing what already is present in its repository or database.

Generally, the more people who seed a file the faster it downloads. In the image above, the middle computer is acting as a seed to provide a file to the other computers which act as peers.

A Peer is someone who is both downloading and uploading the file in the swarm. Files are downloaded in pieces. When a user downloads some pieces, he then automatically starts uploading it. A file will be downloaded faster if more people are involved in the swarm.

A user who wants to upload a file first creates a small torrent descriptor file that they distribute by conventional means web, email, etc. But you can add trackers, which will add peers and seeders, resulting in faster download speeds. When they download a portion of said torrent, they help you download what they have already downloaded. Make sure that you find the updated list of trackers.

Adding trackers is really easy, just follow these steps:. This will increase the number of peers and seeders for your torrent. Sometimes that number is insignificant, whilst other times you should see a great improvement. The result will be an increase in download speed, depending on the numbers. Torrenting is illegal in most of the western hemisphere. If you live in the U. Be warned. The fines for this are quite hefty. Instead, why not spend several bucks every month and stay safe?