Structured Overlay Networks

Structured overlay networks are systems that connect computers in a specific, organized way to facilitate data sharing and communication. Unlike traditional networks, where connections can be random, structured overlays use a predetermined structure, often in the form of a graph, to enhance efficiency and reliability. This organization helps users quickly locate and retrieve data by assigning unique identifiers to each piece of information. As a result, structured overlays are particularly useful in applications like peer-to-peer file sharing and distributed databases, making them more efficient in searching for and sharing data across multiple users.