SQA Higher Computing Science Practice Exam

The concept of a peer-to-peer network organization involves each machine, known as a "peer," operating independently and managing its own services without relying on a centralized server. In this setup, all peers can act as both clients and servers, sharing resources and services directly with one another. This decentralized approach provides flexibility and resilience, as there is no single point of failure.

For example, in file-sharing systems, users can upload and download files directly from each other's machines, allowing for efficient resource sharing. Since each peer can contribute resources, this model scales well with the addition of new machines. The relationships between peers are often dynamic, fostering an environment where machines can join or leave the network without significant disruption. This independence is a defining characteristic of peer-to-peer networks, distinguishing them from client/server architectures, where a dedicated server manages resources and services for multiple clients.