P2P

Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized communications model in which each party has the same capabilities and either party can initiate a communication session. Unlike the client-server model, in which the client makes a service request and the server fulfills the request, the P2P network model allows each node to function as both a client and server.

P2P systems can be used to provide anonymized routing of network traffic, massive parallel computing environments, distributed storage and other functions. Most P2P programs are focused on media sharing and P2P is therefore often associated with software used to share files such as music, movies, etc.

One of the major features of P2P networks is that they are highly distributed and therefore highly resilient to the removal or failure of individual nodes. If one peer in the network leaves or fails, peers can find another source for the file without the need for any central coordination.

Examples of Peer-to-peer networks and systems include the BitTorrent protocol for file sharing, the Bitcoin blockchain for a decentralized digital currency, and various decentralized storage systems like IPFS.

However, it’s important to note that while the technology itself has many legal and innovative uses, it has also been associated with illegal activities, such as sharing copyrighted material, due to the anonymous nature and lack of centralized control in some P2P systems.