Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What type of network allows any computer or device to provide and request services with equivalent capabilities?

1. Server-centric

2. Client-to-peer

3. Peer-to-peer

4. Client-centric

The correct answer is: Peer-to-peer

The correct answer is "Peer-to-peer." In a peer-to-peer network, all computers and devices (often referred to as peers) have equal capabilities and can both provide and request services from each other. This means that each device can act as both a client and a server, allowing for more decentralized sharing of resources and information. This network architecture promotes collaboration and resource sharing without the need for a central server, facilitating direct communication between devices. Peer-to-peer networks are commonly used in file sharing applications and ad hoc networks, where the flexibility of connections is beneficial. In contrast, server-centric and client-centric models rely on dedicated servers to provide services, creating a hierarchy between clients and servers. The client-to-peer model is less commonly referenced in network architecture, as it suggests a mixed approach that diminishes the fundamental characteristics of a peer-to-peer arrangement. Thus, the distinctive feature of a peer-to-peer network is its egalitarian structure where all participating devices can freely interact with one another.