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Parasitic computing

Author

Listed:
  • Albert-László Barabási

    (University of Notre Dame)

  • Vincent W. Freeh

    (University of Notre Dame)

  • Hawoong Jeong

    (University of Notre Dame)

  • Jay B. Brockman

    (University of Notre Dame)

Abstract

Reliable communication on the Internet is guaranteed by a standard set of protocols, used by all computers1. Here we show that these protocols can be exploited to compute with the communication infrastructure, transforming the Internet into a distributed computer in which servers unwittingly perform computation on behalf of a remote node. In this model, which we call ‘parasitic computing’, one machine forces target computers to solve a piece of a complex computational problem merely by engaging them in standard communication. Consequently, the target computers are unaware that they have performed computation for the benefit of a commanding node. As experimental evidence of the principle of parasitic computing, we harness the power of several web servers across the globe, which—unknown to them—work together to solve an NP complete problem2.

Suggested Citation

  • Albert-László Barabási & Vincent W. Freeh & Hawoong Jeong & Jay B. Brockman, 2001. "Parasitic computing," Nature, Nature, vol. 412(6850), pages 894-897, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:412:y:2001:i:6850:d:10.1038_35091039
    DOI: 10.1038/35091039
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