The ED2K Protocol is a peer-to-peer file sharing system that allows users to exchange files over the internet. It operates on a decentralized network, meaning that files are shared directly between users without relying on a central server. This protocol is commonly used for sharing large files, such as videos, music, and software. The ED2K network uses a unique identifier for each file, known as an ED2K hash, which helps users find and download the correct files. Popular clients that support the ED2K Protocol include eMule and aMule, which provide user-friendly interfaces for searching and downloading files from the network.