How does the computers find each other in a p2p network without server?

in LAN you can send a broadcast packet, that will be send to all connected computers, but on the internet you need at least one ip that is eighter a server/entrypoint with a static ip or you connect directly to a client (you will have to know the ip and port), when one connection is established its only a question of data distribution (client A sends his ips to client B, client B connects to a client with the data it needs...)


T2k

I''ve often mused over this topic too. For we sensible people sitting behind a firewall, we still need a fixed ''server'' to connect to with a known IP so that we can register on the network - surely that makes it not truly P2P?

If you believe the publicity sent out by the chap who devised Kazaa (and the apparently ''new'' internet phone idea(!) ) there is no central management in a P2P network. But if i''m behind a firewall (especially on a dynamic IP) and my friend also is behind a firewall - how do I get in touch with him without some kind of central management?

You set up port forwarding or configure your firewall, that is about all there is to do.

afaik, for current p2p (kazaa), they have these things called ''supernodes'' where your client sends a list of shared files. then, when you need a file, you send the request to the supernode, which then passes back the addresses of other clients, to whom you connect for the file. but since anyone can be a supernode, i don''t know how you get the address of the supernode in the first place.. maybe there''s a supernode directory?