Appendix A. Skype Architecture

This appendix describes the high-level architecture underlying Skype. It explains the relationship between the Skype software application and its supernode-based peer-to-peer (P2P) network, and it includes a brief history of P2P networks.

This appendix is for people who are interested in the technical aspects and history underlying Skype's architecture. You do not need to read this appendix to use Skype effectively.

In this appendix, you learn how:

• P2P networks function

• P2P networks have grown and evolved

• The Skype application and network function

• Skype routes network traffic using supernodes