ATLAAS-P2P: A Two-Layer Architecture for Approximated Search in Peer to Peer

ATLAAS-P2P is a two-layered peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture for developing systems, providing resource aggregation and approximated discovery in P2P networks. It gives users a flexible and easy means of searching for resources and also benefits resource providers by assisting users to find them. The process of identifying useful resources in a P2P network is highly dependent on query formulation. Users should be able to easily express their needs, and an efficient query resolution mechanism should efficiently find relevant resources and limit the number of messages exchanged. Common techniques for searching resources in P2P systems are based on range queries over a set of attributes. However, the volume of resources in a P2P network may be very large and heterogeneous, and users rarely have the appropriate knowledge about the available resources to allow them to properly formulate their queries. A user may, however, be able to define their "ideal" resource and ask the search system to find resources close to such an entity. Thus, instead of having to specify precise ranges on all attributes, the user simply has to provide an example of what is needed. This mechanism would simplify the work for users and lead to a more efficient exploitation of the search system. Moreover, it would provide an effective infrastructure for advertising for resource providers, facilitating their discovery by users.