What is "supernode"

n. 1 (context computing English) Any peer-to-peer network node that also serves as a proxy server 2 (context electronics English) A theoretical construct that can be used to solve a circuit.

In peer-to-peer networking, a supernode is any node that also serves as one of that network's relayers and proxy servers, handling data flow and connections for other users. This semi-distributed architecture allows data to be decentralized without requiring excessive overhead at every node. However, the increased workload of supernodes generally requires additional network bandwidth and central processing unit (CPU) time.

Some peer-to-peer designs allow for the user to control whether their node is a supernode; others do not. For example, Skype by default is configured as a supernode, an issue that has caused controversy. Despite criticism, Skype has contended that supernodes on their network act only to maintain information about who is online at a given time, and are not used to route calls between users. Beginning with version 3.0, Skype allows a user to avoid becoming a supernode by modifying the Windows Registry.

In circuit theory, a supernode is a theoretical construct that can be used to solve a circuit. This is done by viewing a voltage source on a wire as a point source voltage in relation to other point voltages located at various nodes in the circuit, relative to a ground node assigned a zero or negative charge.

Each supernode contains two nodes, one a non-reference node and another node that may be a second non-reference node or the reference node. Supernodes containing the reference node have one node voltage variable. For nodal analysis, the supernode construct is only required between two non-reference nodes.

Supernode may refer to:

• Supernode (networking), a network proxy in peer-to-peer networks
• Supernode (circuit), a theoretical construct in circuit theory
• A construct in Nodal analysis, a circuit analysis technique used in electrical engineering.