Essential Windows Communication Foundation: For .NET Framework 3.5

12. Peer Networking

MANY DEVELOPERS THINK of the client-server or n-tier models when building distributed applications. Another approach to building distributed applications that is often overlooked is the peer-to-peer (P2P) model. Some of the most popular Internet applications, including instant messaging, games, and file sharing, use the P2P approach. Unlike other types of applications, a P2P application assumes no central infrastructure, which means there is no distinction between client and server. This introduces a significant amount of complexity in the design of the application. Most developers shy away from building P2P applications because of the complexity and difficulty associated with building these types of application. If done ...