NetworksKey Facts

Quick Reference - Client-Server vs P2P

Part of Client-Server vs P2PGCSE Computer Science

This key facts covers Quick Reference - Client-Server vs P2P within Client-Server vs P2P for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Client-Server vs P2P in Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 9 of 9 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 9 of 9

Practice

15 questions

Recall

18 flashcards

Quick Reference - Client-Server vs P2P

Client-Server:

  • Structure: Central server provides services to clients
  • Advantages: Central security/backups/management, access anywhere
  • Disadvantages: Server = single point of failure, expensive
  • Use: Schools, offices, large organizations

Peer-to-Peer (P2P):

  • Structure: All computers equal, share directly (no server)
  • Advantages: No single point of failure, cheap, easy setup
  • Disadvantages: No central security/backups, hard to manage
  • Use: Small networks, file sharing (BitTorrent), home use

Remember: Client-Server = centralized (security, backups, management) but server = single point of failure. P2P = decentralized (no single failure) but no central control!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Client-Server vs P2P. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Client-Server vs P2P

In a client-server network, what is the role of the server?

  • A. To store and provide resources and services to client computers
  • B. To request files and services from other computers on the network
  • C. To connect all devices together using Wi-Fi signals
  • D. To act as an equal peer alongside all other network devices
1 markfoundation

State three advantages of using a client-server network over a peer-to-peer network. [3 marks]

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards for Client-Server vs P2P — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha