P2P (peer-to-peer)

P2P (peer-to-peer) is a network model in which devices exchange data directly with each other, without going through a central server ✕ A server is a powerful computer that provides data or services to other devices — for example serving a website or storing your cloud files. More in the glossary → ; the best-known example is torrent downloading, where each user simultaneously shares pieces of the file. Because in P2P your IP address ✕ An IP address is the unique number that makes your device reachable online — like a postal address for data packets. It can reveal your rough location and internet provider. More in the glossary → is visible to the other participants, many people use a VPN ✕ A VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted external server. This hides your real IP address and stops third parties — like your provider or public Wi-Fi — from seeing what you do. More in the glossary → to hide it and protect their privacy when sharing legal files. Some providers offer servers optimized for P2P, with more speed and stability for this kind of traffic ✕ Traffic is the amount of data your website transfers, determined by visitor numbers and page size. Some hosting plans cap monthly traffic. More in the glossary → . It is worth choosing a VPN with a no-logs policy ✕ A no-logs policy means a VPN provider keeps no records of your online activity. That way there's nothing to hand over or steal in a breach. More in the glossary → and a kill switch ✕ A kill switch instantly cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops. This keeps your real IP address from being exposed unprotected. More in the glossary → so no data is exposed if the connection drops. Which VPNs allow P2P and how well they perform is covered in the best VPN comparison.