BitTorrent is Apt for Geophysical Data Collection and Distribution

This article covers a nouveau idea of a way to collect and handle geophysical data with a peer-to-peer network in near real-time. The text covers a brief introduction to the cause, the technology, and the particular case of collecting data from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations. We describe the proof-of-concept implementation that has been tested. The test was conducted with an experimental GNSS station and a data aggregation facility. In the test, original raw GNSS signal measurements were transferred to the data aggregation center and subsequently to the consumer. Our implementation utilized the BitTorrent protocol to communicate and transfer data. The solution could be used to enable the majority of data aggregation centers for fast, reliable, and transparent real-time data handling experience for the benefit of the scientific community.