Embodiments of a distributed index mechanism for indexing and searching
for identity information in peer-to-peer networks. In one embodiment, a
distributed index may be used to store identity information in a
decentralized manner on a plurality of peer nodes. The identity
information may be used, for example, to authenticate users. Distributed
indexes may allow identity information to be spread across multiple peer
nodes so that the load is spread among the various peer nodes. In one
embodiment, the distributed index may be a distributed hash table. One
embodiment of a distributed index of identity information may be
implemented in peer-to-peer networks implemented according to a
peer-to-peer platform including one or more peer-to-peer platform
protocols for enabling peer nodes to discover each other, communicate
with each other, and cooperate with each other to form peer groups and
share network resources.