FrAPPE A Framework for the Analysis of Power Consumption in Peer-to Peer Environments

Abstract

One of the most popular Internet applications is peer-to-peer (P2P) networking. P2P networking is an application in which multiple computers communicate over a network to share resources, such as files. The effectiveness of P2P networks is enhanced when multiple computers host a similar resource; this is called redundancy. Because its architecture requires computers to remain powered on for file sharing and redundancy, much power is consumed to operate these networks. One way in which researchers are working to solve this problem is by developing heuristics for reducing the amount power consumed by computers in P2P networks. While heuristics are best tested on real networks, doing so can be both challenging and expensive. This paper describes a solution in FrAPPE, a program in which heuristics may be tested in a simulated networking environment. In addition, FrAPPE compiles statistical information regarding the power consumption and computational expense of heuristic trials. As a simulated networking environment, FrAPPE also doubles as a teaching tool for computer networking education. A number of different software tools exist that are often used to teach computer networking concepts in academic environments. No programs known to the author, however, illustrate the costs incurred by computer networking hardware. FrAPPE offers a simple environment that demonstrates basic networking concepts, and, through its statistical output, helps students understand the aforementioned costs.