Peer-to-peer network - GCSE Computer Science Definition

A peer-to-peer network is a type of computer network where each computer, called a "peer", can act as both a client and a server. This means that every computer in the network can both share and receive files and resources directly with each other, without needing a central server to manage the connections or the data sharing. Each peer is equal and can communicate directly with other peers to exchange information, which makes the network more decentralised. Peer-to-peer networks are often used for file sharing and can be very efficient, but they might also be harder to control and secure compared to networks with a central server.

Peer-to-peer networks are only explicitly required by the OCR GCSE Computer Science specification; it does not appear in either the AQA or Edexcel GCSE specifications.