@ -6,18 +6,18 @@
((("Bitcoin network", "peer-to-peer architecture")))((("peer-to-peer
((("Bitcoin network", "peer-to-peer architecture")))((("peer-to-peer
(P2P)")))Bitcoin is structured as a peer-to-peer network architecture on
(P2P)")))Bitcoin is structured as a peer-to-peer network architecture on
top of the internet. The term peer-to-peer, or P2P, means that the
top of the internet. The term peer-to-peer, or P2P, means that the
computers that participate in the network are peers to each other, that
full nodes which participate in the network are peers to each other, that
they are all equal, that there are no "special" nodes, and that all
they can all equal, and that there are no "special" nodes.
nodes share the burden of providing network services. The network nodes
The network nodes
interconnect in a mesh network with a "flat" topology. There is no
interconnect in a mesh network with a "flat" topology. There is no
server, no centralized service, and no hierarchy within the network.
server, no centralized service, and no hierarchy within the network.
Nodes in a P2P network both provide and consume services at the same
Nodes in a P2P network both provide and consume services at the same
time with reciprocity acting as the incentive for participation . P2P
time. P2P
networks are inherently resilient, decentralized, and open. A preeminent
networks are inherently resilient, decentralized, and open. A preeminent
example of a P2P network architecture was the early internet itself,
example of a P2P network architecture was the early internet itself,
where nodes on the IP network were equal. Today's internet architecture
where nodes on the IP network were equal. Today's internet architecture
is more hierarchical, but the Internet Protocol still retains its
is more hierarchical, but the Internet Protocol still retains its
flat-topology essence. Beyond Bitcoin, the largest and most successful
flat-topology essence. Beyond Bitcoin and the internet , the largest and most successful
application of P2P technologies is file sharing, with Napster as the
application of P2P technologies is file sharing, with Napster as the
pioneer and BitTorrent as the most recent evolution of the architecture.
pioneer and BitTorrent as the most recent evolution of the architecture.
@ -25,22 +25,20 @@ Bitcoin's P2P network architecture is much more than a topology choice.
Bitcoin is a P2P digital cash system by design, and the network
Bitcoin is a P2P digital cash system by design, and the network
architecture is both a reflection and a foundation of that core
architecture is both a reflection and a foundation of that core
characteristic. Decentralization of control is a core design principle
characteristic. Decentralization of control is a core design principle
that can only be achieved and maintained by a flat, decentralized P2P
that can only be achieved and maintained by a flat and decentralized P2P
consensus network.
consensus network.
((("Bitcoin network", "defined")))The term "Bitcoin network" refers to
((("Bitcoin network", "defined")))The term "Bitcoin network" refers to
the collection of nodes running the Bitcoin P2P protocol. In addition to
the collection of nodes running the Bitcoin P2P protocol. In addition to
the Bitcoin P2P protocol, there are other protocols such as Stratum that
the Bitcoin P2P protocol, there are other protocols that
are used for mining and lightweight or mobile wallets. These additional
are used for mining and lightweight or mobile wallets. These additional
protocols are provided by gateway routing servers that access the
protocols are provided by gateway routing servers that access the
Bitcoin network using the Bitcoin P2P protocol and then extend that
Bitcoin network using the Bitcoin P2P protocol and then extend that
network to nodes running other protocols. For example, Stratum servers
network to nodes running other protocols. For example, Stratum servers
connect Stratum mining nodes via the Stratum protocol to the main
connect Stratum mining nodes via the Stratum protocol to the main
Bitcoin network and bridge the Stratum protocol to the Bitcoin P2P
Bitcoin network and bridge the Stratum protocol to the Bitcoin P2P
protocol. We use the term "extended Bitcoin network" to refer to the
protocol. We will describe some of the most commonly used of those
overall network that includes the Bitcoin P2P protocol, pool-mining
protocols in this chapter in addition to Bitcoin's P2P protocol.
protocols, the Stratum protocol, and any other related protocols
connecting the components of the Bitcoin system.
=== Node Types and Roles
=== Node Types and Roles