Peer-to-Peer vs Client-Server Networking Models Quiz Quiz

Explore the key differences between peer-to-peer (P2P) and client-server networking models with this quiz. Enhance your understanding of network architecture, resource sharing, scalability, and security in modern network design.

1. Resource Sharing in Networking Models

   In a peer-to-peer network where users share files directly, which device acts as both a client and a server?

   1. Only the initial sender
   2. A central controlling node
   3. Each participating device
   4. A dedicated file client

   Explanation: In peer-to-peer networks, each device can request and provide resources, making every participating device act as both a client and a server. This is different from having a central controlling node, which is typical of a client-server model. A dedicated file client would only request files and not serve them, and only the initial sender would not account for the mutual sharing concept in P2P. This distributed architecture is a hallmark of peer-to-peer systems.

2. Single Point of Failure

   Which networking model is more susceptible to a single point of failure, especially when the primary resource provider goes offline?

   1. Hybrid model
   2. Ring topology
   3. Peer-to-peer model
   4. Client-server model

   Explanation: The client-server model relies on a central server, so if this server fails or goes offline, clients cannot access resources, resulting in a single point of failure. Peer-to-peer networks distribute resources among nodes, making them less vulnerable to this issue. A hybrid model blends features but does not fit the scenario perfectly, and ring topology is a physical arrangement rather than a logical model related to resource provisioning.

3. Scalability Considerations

   Suppose a small business adds many users to its network. Which networking model typically experiences performance bottlenecks as load increases, and why?

   1. Peer-to-peer model, because all nodes handle traffic
   2. Client-service model, by client congestion
   3. Client-server model, due to server overloading
   4. Bus topology, for limited data flow

   Explanation: As more users join a client-server network, the central server can become overloaded, causing performance bottlenecks. In peer-to-peer models, resources scale with each new participant. Bus topology is a physical layout, not a logical network model, so it’s not directly relevant. 'Client-service model' is either a typo or a misnomer, and client congestion is not typically the limiting factor in standardized models.

4. Security in Networking Models

   When a business prioritizes controlling access to sensitive files, which networking model is generally more secure by design?

   1. Token ring model
   2. Cloud-to-cloud model
   3. Client-server model
   4. Peer-to-peer model

   Explanation: Client-server networks enable centralized administration and security policies, allowing stricter control over access to resources, making them inherently more secure. Peer-to-peer setups lack this centralization and are harder to manage securely. Token ring refers to a network topology with limited relevance to access controls, and cloud-to-cloud is a broad term not specific to access security in this context.

5. Example of Peer-to-Peer Network Use

   Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a peer-to-peer networking model?

   1. Employees access files from a shared network folder on a managed server
   2. Remote offices send documents to headquarters using a central fax machine
   3. All workstations receive software updates from a master server
   4. Students in a dormitory directly share folders over their laptops without a central server

   Explanation: Peer-to-peer means each device can communicate directly and share resources without central control, as in the student dorm example. Accessing files from a managed server or receiving updates from a master server are client-server scenarios. The central fax machine involves communication through a central point rather than direct sharing, so it does not reflect peer-to-peer networking.