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Bootstrapping node
A bootstrapping node, also known as a rendezvous host, is a node in an overlay network that provides initial configuration information to newly joining nodes so that they may successfully join the overlay network. Bootstrapping nodes are predominantly found in decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) networks because of the dynamically changing identities and configurations of member nodes in these networks.
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Overview
When attempting to join a P2P network, specific discovery or membership protocols (or other configuration information) may be required, and, if a newly joining node is unaware of these protocols, the newly established joining node will not be able to communicate with other nodes and ultimately join the network. This allows the bootstrapping nodes' addresses to change as needed.
Configuration information provided
The objective of the bootstrapping node is to provide newly joining nodes with sufficient configuration information so that the new node may then successfully join the network and access resources, such as shared content.<ref name="Francis01"/> Discovery protocol information can instruct the new node how to discover peers on the network.<ref name="Francis01"/> Membership protocol information can instruct the new node how to request-to-join and subsequently join peer groups on the network.<ref name="sun01"/> Other configuration information, such as overlay network dependent instructions, may be provided.<ref name="Francis01"/><ref name="Ratnasamy01"/> An example of overlay dependent instructions is instructing a new node how to obtain a zone of a CAN.<ref name="Ratnasamy01"/> Further configuration information may be designed for P2P network admission control, used when joining a network that supports trust management, and include such things as encryption/signature protocols or admission policies.<ref name="Saxena01"/>
