8. Selected DHT Algorithms

Abstract

Several different approaches to realizing the basic principles of DHTs have emerged over the last few years. Although they rely on the same fundamental idea, there is a large diversity of methods for both organizing the identifier space and performing routing. The particular properties of each approach can thus be exploited by specific application scenarios and requirements.

This overview focuses on the three DHT systems that have received the most attention in the research community: Chord, Pastry, and Content Addressable Networks (CAN). Furthermore, the systems Symphony, Viceroy, and Kademlia are discussed because they exhibit interesting mechanisms and properties beyond those of the first three systems.