Verizon will begin using a peer-to-peer (P2P) file transfer system from Pando Networks to aid with the distribution of large media files to its broadband users. When deployed, the new system will move material authorized by the content owners -- such as movies, TV programs, software or large data bases -- faster for consumers and more efficiently for network operators, including Verizon.
Verizon said it no longer regarded P2P as a "dark-alley distribution system for unauthorized file sharing.
The new system and tests were described in a presentation Friday (March 14) in New York by Douglas Pasko, Verizon senior technologist and co-chair of the P4P Working Group, and co-chair Laird Popkin of Pando Networks. The group is sponsored the Distributed Computing Industry Association (DCIA). Yale University software experts worked on and monitored the project.
"The results of the testing have been phenomenal," said Pasko. "Customer and network benefits were seen as soon as the test began. This new system, which routes files along the fastest, least expensive path, offers our FiOS customers P2P downloads up to six times faster than networks without the overlay, the study showed. On average, download speeds using other Internet access technologies improve by about 60 percent."
According to Pasko, the end result of the experiment and ultimate implementation could be "carrier-grade P2P," once focused routing and handling replace arbitrary delivery paths. The system could cut P2P network delivery costs for participating network companies by as much as 50 percent.http://www.verizon.comhttp://www.pandonetworks.com/
- In February 2008, Pando announced NBC as its latest content customer.
- Pando is funded by Intel Capital, BRM Capital and Wheatley Partners.
