See also: Multi-Source | File sharing
A multi-source distribution method in file sharing where files begin sharing to other clients before being fully downloaded. The hive fuctions arising from a collection of users, operating a decentralized, p2p network for example, acting like worker-bees helping gather honey (bandwidth) for everyone in the “colony,” progressively and continuously. This works by downloading different parts of a download from many sources, all checked by a hashing system that makes sure your download is complete and flawless.
Hive downloading is generally higher performance than the original Napster-style upload where files are treated individually and not as a constantly exchanged and rebuilt system.
Protocols/clients that are “Hive” downloaders include Gnutella2, BitTorrent, Freenet and DirectConnect.
TakeDown.NET -> “Hive”