ED2K

Ed2k, also known as eDonkey2000, is a decentralized file sharing network. It utilizes a client-server architecture, where users connect to servers that then facilitate the discovery and transfer of files between clients. The network was initially developed by Jed McLellan and released in 2000. The core technology behind Ed2k relies on a distributed hash table (DHT) to index files, allowing clients to locate other users sharing specific content. This system enables users to download files from multiple sources simultaneously, which can improve download speeds and reliability.

The Ed2k network uses a unique hashing algorithm to identify files, ensuring that even slightly modified versions of a file will have a different hash and thus be considered a distinct item. This also means that file integrity can be verified by comparing hashes. While the network gained significant popularity for sharing a wide variety of content, it has also been associated with the distribution of copyrighted material without authorization. Consequently, the network and its associated clients have faced legal challenges in several jurisdictions. Despite these challenges, Ed2k remains a functional and accessible network for peer-to-peer file sharing.