Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network element including: receiving a first plurality of packets transmitted between a peer-to-peer (P2P) client and a P2P central entity; performing deep packet inspection (DPI) to extract a key from one or more of the first plurality of packets, the key identifying a P2P content item; receiving a second plurality of packets; performing DPI to extract location information of at least one P2P peer from one or more of the second plurality of packets; detecting at least one subsequent IP flow between the P2P client and the at least one P2P peer using the extracted location information, the at least one subsequent IP flow relating to a transfer of the P2P content item; and performing a traffic management action on the at least one subsequent IP flow.