BitTorrent (BTT)

BitTorrent is a communication protocol that facilitates peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, allowing users to distribute data and electronic files over the Internet in a decentralized manner. Designed to transfer large files without a central server, BitTorrent is responsible for a significant portion of global internet traffic. It was developed in 2001 by Bram Cohen, a programmer and CEO of Chia Network.

Overview

BitTorrent is a decentralized file-sharing protocol that enables the transfer of large files, such as digital video and audio, by downloading smaller pieces from multiple sources, known as peers. This decentralized method speeds up the download process and reduces the demand on individual servers.

History of BitTorrent

Ticker	BTT
Category	Storage
Website	https://www.bittorrent.com/btt/
Twitter	@bittorrent
Telegram	BTTBitTorrent
Reddit	https://www.reddit.com/r/Bittorrent/
Contract Addresses
tron	TA...p4Copied!
bittorrent	0x00...10Copied!
binance-smart-chain	0x35...4bCopied!
ethereum	0xc6...57Copied!
energi	0xf1...a7Copied!

Bram Cohen devised the BitTorrent protocol in April 2001, launching its first version on July 2, 2001. In 2004, BitTorrent Inc. was established, and its official client became widely used for BitTorrent downloads. BitTorrent DNA, introduced in 2006, combined traditional networks with BitTorrent technology to enhance content delivery. The acquisition of µTorrent in 2010 expanded BitTorrent Inc.'s user base. Innovations like BitTorrent Sync in 2013 and BitTorrent Live in 2015 offered secure file synchronization and peer-to-peer live streaming, respectively. In 2017, BitTorrent v2 protocol specifications were released, and in 2018, the Tron Foundation acquired BitTorrent Inc., integrating it with blockchain technology and developing the BitTorrent Token (BTT) and BitTorrent Speed platform.

Design of BitTorrent

The BitTorrent architecture includes components like Torrent File, Tracker, Leecher, and Seeders. Each torrent operates independently, containing information about files to be shared. Users download files by obtaining torrent files from search engines. BitTorrent reduces server impact by letting users form a "swarm," facilitating uploads and downloads among peers. This method efficiently distributes files even on low-bandwidth networks, using basic computers as servers. Files are divided into pieces shared among peers, with cryptographic hashes ensuring integrity. Non-sequential downloading supports easy pause and resume, beneficial for large files. BitTorrent's distributed nature spreads files across nodes, reducing costs and enhancing redundancy. It requests small data from multiple machines in a random or "rarest-first" manner, offering resilience to high traffic. Streaming support has also evolved over time.

BitTorrent Token (BTT)

BitTorrent Token (BTT) is a digital token based on the Tron blockchain, powering various decentralized protocols and applications. BTT incentivizes faster downloads and extended file seeding on the BitTorrent network, enabling decentralized file storage and sharing through the BitTorrent File System. The token can be used for premium content purchases, faster downloads, or tipping content creators. BTT, launched in January 2019 on Binance Launchpad, sold out quickly, raising $7.2 million. It is available on major exchanges like Binance, Huobi, OKEx, KuCoin, and Poloniex. Decentralized apps utilizing BTT include BitTorrent Speed, BitTorrent File System, and DLive.

Tokenomics

Maximum supply

The total supply of BTT is capped at 990 billion tokens, with the current circulating supply also at 990 billion. Allocations included 6% for public sale, 2% for private sale, and 9% for seed sale. Airdrop tokens to the TRON network comprised 10.1%, while BitTorrent protocol airdrops made up 10%. The BitTorrent Team and Foundation received 19%, the TRON Foundation received 20%, the BitTorrent ecosystem was allocated 19.9%, and 4% were set aside for partnership tokens.