The Role of Torrent Trackers in Peer-to-Peer Sharing

Torrenting is a very popular way of sharing large files over the internet. It uses a method that is referred to as peer-to-peer sharing. In P2P sharing, files are being shared directly between users without the requirement of a central server.

One of the very crucial parts of this system is the torrent tracker. It likely helps the users to find and connect to each other. Here in this post, we will explain the role of torrent trackers in peer-to-peer sharing in very simple words.

What is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Sharing?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing is a method of networking. It allows users (referred to as peers) to share files directly with each other. No central server is being deployed for storing the files. Instead, all users are both uploaders & downloaders.

For instance, when you download a movie using a torrent, you are also sharing the parts you already downloaded with other. This specifically makes the entire process efficient and faster.

What is a Torrent?

A torrent is a small file that contains a lot of information about a larger file that you may want to download. It does not contain the actual file (like a music or video), but it tells your system where to find the file on the network.

In order to use a torrent, you would require a torrent client like BitTorrent, uTorrent, or qBittorrent. The torrent client uses the info present in the torrent file to find other users sharing that file.

What is a Torrent Tracker?

A torrent tracker is referred to as a special server. Its job is to facilitate your torrent client find other people (peers) who are sharing the same file. It maintains a complete list of all users who are uploading or downloading that file.
You should think of a tracker as a melting point. It connects you to other people with the same file so that you can initiate to share with them.

How Does a Torrent Tracker Operate?

The following is the step-wise process which explains how a torrent tracker work:

• • Firstly, you have to download a torrent file from a website.
  • Then you have to open it using a torrent client (like BitTorrent).
  • The client reads the file & contacts the torrent tracker.
  • The tracker then responds with a list of other users (peers) who have the same file.
  • Your client then connects to these users.
  • Then you start downloading parts of the file from them.
  • At the same time, you can upload certain parts you already have.

This particular process continues until the file is downloaded completely.

The Various Types of Torrent Trackers

The two major types of trackers are:

Public Trackers

• • Anyone can use them easily.
  • There is no requirement to register.
  • They are available free of cost and open to all.
  • Examples: PublicBT, OpenBitTorrent

However, the public trackers can prove to be risker & slower. Since anyone can join, there is a higher change of fake viruses or files.

Private Trackers

• • You need to receive an invite or register.
  • They have quite strict rules.
  • Usually safer & faster.
  • Users must share files (referred to as “seeding”)

Private trackers are usually trusted by several because they offer quality files as well as better speeds. But they are tougher to join.

Why Are Torrent Trackers Crucial?

Torrent trackers play a big role in P2P sharing:

• • Faster Speed of Downloads: They help in connecting to several peers very quickly.
  • More Connections: More and more peers mean better stability and speed.
  • Better Sharing: Trackers keep the network active.
  • Availability of File: In case a file has several seeders, it is easily downloadable.

Without the trackers, it would take longer to find peers. This specifically means fewer active file shares & slower downloads.

What Do You Mean by Seeders & Leechers?

You often hear these terms while using torrents:

• • Seeders – Users who have the full file & are uploading the same to others.
  • Leechers – Users who are still downloading the file.

A healthy torrent has comparatively more seeders as compared to leechers. This means complete and faster downloads for everyone.

What Usually Happens in Case a Tracker Goes Down?

In case a tracker server stops working:

• • Your torrent client may still find some peers using a method called DHT (Distributed Hash Table).
  • But it may prove to be lesser reliable and slower.

This is the reason some torrents include several trackers. In case one fails, the client tries another one.

What is PEX and DHT?

In order to improve peer discovery, torrent clients also use the following:

PEX (Peer Exchange)

• • It allows peers to share information about other peers.
  • This helps in growing the list of users you can connect to.

DHT (Distributed Hash Table)

• • Works without the help of any central tracker.
  • It helps when trackers are offline.
  • Clients connect using a decentralized system.
  • Helps when trackers are offline.

Both PEX & DHT are very useful features. But trackers still remain a very crucial part of the entire torrent ecosystem.

Are Torrent Trackers Legal?

Using a torrent tracker is not at all illegal. But downloading copyrighted content without permission is considered to be illegal.

Certain trackers host only legal files (like public domain media or open-source software). But others may allow pirated content, which is considered to be illegal in several countries.

You should always be careful & respect copyright laws while using torrents.

Are Torrent Trackers Considered to be Safe?

Some public trackers can prove to be risky. They may lead to certain malware or fake torrents. Here are a few safety tips that you need to follow:

• • Use trusted torrent sites & trackers.
  • Read reviews & comments before you start downloading.
  • Avoid certain suspicious or unknown torrent files.
  • Use a trusted antivirus software.

Private trackers usually prove to be safer as they monitor the quality of the file as well as user behavior.

How Do You Add a Torrent Tracker?

You can manually add trackers to a torrent file to increase speed. Here is how you should proceed:

• • Right-click on the torrent in your client.
  • Then select “Properties” or “Trackers”.
  • Paste a list of tracker URLs.
  • Finally, save & restart the process of downloading.

This often helps you find more peers & improves the speed as well.

Conclusion

Torrent trackers are like bridges in the world where the practice of peer-to-peer sharing is trending. They connect you to others who have the files that you are looking for. No matter private or public, they make the entire process smoother & faster.

Understanding how torrent trackers work help you use torrents more safely and effectively. All you need to do is to remember to always use legal files & remain cautious online.

Torrents are a powerful tool – & torrent trackers are the engines behind that power.