A simulation framework for Peer-to-Peer file sharing in named data networking

Peer-to-peer file sharing envisions a data-centric dissemination model, where files consisting of multiple data pieces can be downloaded from any peer that can offer the data or from multiple peers simultaneously. This objective, implemented at the application layer of the network architecture, matches with the objective of Named Data Networking (NDN), a proposed Internet architecture that features a data-centric communication model directly at the network layer. To study the impact of a data-centric network architecture on peer-to-peer file sharing, we proposed nTorrent, a peer-to-peer file sharing application built on top of NDN. Since the initial nTorrent proposal in 2017, we have implemented its design in ndnSIM, the de facto NDN simulator based on ns-3. In this paper, we present the design of our nTorrent simulation framework, touching upon various design decisions and trade-offs. We also describe our validation process through ns-3 simulations to ensure that our framework possesses the fundamental properties of nTorrent.