In 2001, the first authoritative book on peer to peer networks came out, Peer to Peer. It described the various types of p2p networks that then existed. The discussion included Napster and Chord. Now the current book shows the vast expansion of the p2p field. It gives deep technical analysis of the workings of numerous p2p efforts. The level of discussion involves mathematical ideas more intricate than those of the earlier book.
The early successes have inspired many researchers to devise more optimal networks or overlays. All the examples here sit atop the Internet. Maybe the most commercially successful p2p network in the book is Skype. Alas, its precise workings are held proprietary. But the authors make what are apparently accurate educated guesses about these.
The hardest p2p networks seem to be for mobile computers where the data feed is meant to be streaming. For this, the book's discussions show that current efforts are fairly rudimentary. The severe constraints posed by mobility and real time streaming need to be better overcome. No small task for the future.