Reputation-Driven Peer-to-Peer Live Streaming Architecture for Preventing Free-Riding

Abstract: We present a peer-to-peer (P2P) live-streaming architecture designed to address challenges such as free-riding, malicious peers, churn, and network instability through the integration of a reputation system. The proposed algorithm incentivizes active peer participation while discouraging opportunistic behaviors, with a reputation mechanism that rewards altruistic peers and penalizes free riders and malicious actors. To manage peer dynamics, the algorithm continuously updates the strategies and adjusts to changing neighbors. It also implements a request-to-join mechanism for flash crowd scenarios, allowing the source node to delegate requests to child nodes, forming an interconnected tree structure that efficiently handles high demand and maintains system stability. The decentralized reputation mechanism promotes long-term sustainability in the P2P live streaming system.