On tackling free-riders in P2P networks

P2P networks have become popular, and face the problem of peers who consume more than their fair share of the network´s resources; so called free-riders. The solution to this problem primarily involves correctly identifying the free-riders, determining appropriate measures for discouraging and/or penalizing them; and possibly rewarding non free-riders for good behavior. In this paper therefore, we discuss current approaches for addressing the free-rider problem in P2P networks and offer some workable solutions.