kad network

The Kad network uses a UDP-based protocol to:

• Find sources for eD2k hashes.
• Search for eD2k hashes based on keywords in the file name.
• Find comments and ratings for files (hashes).
• Provide buddy services for firewalled (Low ID) nodes.
• Store locations, comments and (keywords out of) filenames.

Note that the Kad network is not used to actually transfer files across the P2P network. Instead, when a file transfer is initiated, clients connect directly to each other (using the standard public IP network). This traffic is susceptible to blocking/shaping/tracking by an ISP or any other opportunistic middle-man.{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}

As with all decentralized networks, the Kad network requires no official or common servers. As such, it cannot be disabled by shutting down a given subset of key nodes. While the decentralization of the network prevents a simple shut-down, traffic analysis and deep packet inspection will more readily identify the traffic as P2P due to the high variable-destination packet throughput. The large packet volume typically causes a reduction in available CPU and/or network resources usually associated with P2P traffic.{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}

The Kad network supports searching of files by name and a number of secondary characteristics such as size, extension, bit-rate, and more. Features vary based on client used.

Only a few major clients currently support the Kad network implementation. However, they comprise over 80% of the user base and are probably closer to 95% of ed2k installations.

• eMule: An open source Windows client which is the most popular, with 80% of network users. It also runs on Linux using the Wine libraries.

There are a number of minor variants, or forks, of eMule which support the same basic features as eMule itself. They include: aMule (A Linux client similar to eMule) and eMule Mods (not eMule Plus), possibly others.

• aMule: An open source client popular among Linux Operating Systems. Currently aMule (officially) supports a wide variety of platforms and operating systems.
• MLDonkey: An open source, cross-platform client that runs on many platforms and supports numerous other file-sharing protocols as well.
• iMule: An anonymous, open source, cross-platform client. Supports only the Kad network and I2P network. eDonkey network has been dropped.
• Lphant: Supports also eDonkey network and BitTorrent protocol. To use Kad network make sure you have 3.51 version.

• TDL-4: A botnet virus that is reported to use this network as a backup for updates and new instructions if its Command and Control servers are taken down.{{cite web|url=https://securelist.com/tdl4-top-bot/36152/#6|title=Botnet access to the Kad network|date=27 June 2011 |publisher=SecureList|access-date=30 June 2011}}

• Distributed hash table
• Kademlia

{{Reflist}}

{{File sharing protocols}}

{{EDonkey}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kad Network}}

Category:File sharing networks

Category:Overlay networks

Category:Key-based routing

Category:Mix networks