| Peer-to-peer networks continue to gain popularity, but certain key problems associated with them remain formidable. Our research addresses two of these problems. The first problem is the lack of global standards preventing distinct peer-to-peer networks from interoperating. The second is inefficient peer search within the group of connected peers. These are significant because having a mechanism for locating peers in a heterogeneous and dynamic environment without a central entity to maintain information about connected peers is imperative. We have developed a hybrid P2P infrastructure, PSI, which uses Web Services as Middleware, enabling global connectivity between distinct peer-to-peer networks. We formally define operations performed during peer search where heuristics for peer search are based on preference values computed using historical data. Comparison of PSI with other models and the understanding gained by analysis and implementation confirms that PSI has significant potential in achieving global connectivity and enabling efficient peer search. |
