Why is Lime Wire So Popular?
Lime Wire has a proven history of providing innovative P2P network support to its users. Examples of the key features of Lime Wire clients include:- Java support
- Ultrapeers
- Firewall-to-firewall transfers
What is Java in Lime Wire?
Lime Wire is constructed with Java technology. Java is a software environment that allows the same application to run on different operating systems including Windows, Linux and Mac. Being built with Java technlogy, Lime Wire clients run on each of these operating system types. Most other P2P clients, in contrast, run only on Windows.Lime Wire and Java may run slowly on very old computers with small amounts of memory (RAM). In addition, starting up and making the initial nework connections in a Lime Wire client generally takes longer than with other P2P clients. These performance limitations are inherent in the Java environment but considered a relatively minor issue to Lime Wire users.
To achieve the best Gnutella network connections, Lime Wire clients should be left connected and running for an extended time period.
What are Ultrapeers in Lime Wire?
Lime Wire was the first P2P client to provide ultrapeer support on the Gnutella network. Ultrapeers are Lime Wire or other Gnutella clients running on computers with the best performance and network bandwidth.Ultrapeers allow Gnutella to support a greater number of users, by shifting the network load toward clients better able to accommodate it. When Lime Wire users search for files and initiate downloads, the Gnutella network protocol logic ensures those clients are more likely to connect to ultrapeers than to ordinary peers.
For example, Lime Wire users with a new high-end PC running Windows XP and a high-speed cable modem Internet connection are good candidates to become ultrapeers, while users with old PCs running Windows 98 over dial up connections would not become ultrapeers. Lime Wire automatically designates ultrapeers, although individual users can opt-out of this mode through the client.
What Are Firewall-to-Firewall Transfers in Lime Wire?
Network firewalls can block P2P applications from connecting to each other. Users can configure their firewalls to avoid this problem, but that requires some technical know-how. P2P clients like Lime Wire try to simplify the process of connecting through firewalls whenever possible.If two peers want to share a file, and one is blocked by a firewall, some P2P network protocols detect this situation and can work around it by moving the responsibility of making connections to the peer not firewalled. However, if both peers sit behind firewalls, connections become much more complex to complete. Lime Wire was the first client to provide solutions for this scenario.
Lime Wire works with some but not all types of firewalls.
What Is Lime Wire Pro?
Lime Wire Pro is an alternative version of the basic Lime Wire client that offers enhancements like the following:- better search results
- more available peer connections
- better download speeds
