Final answer:
In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, nodes act as equals, serving as both clients and servers and share resources directly. They are decentralized, enhancing network robustness.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, nodes have equal authority and can act as both clients and servers. This means that each computer or device on the network, referred to as a peer, can share resources and communicate directly with other peers without requiring a central server. In contrast to a client-server model where clients request resources from a dedicated server, in a P2P network, every peer can function as both a client requesting resources and a server providing them.
Examples of P2P networks include file-sharing applications like BitTorrent and blockchain networks that power cryptocurrencies. One of the main advantages of P2P networks is their decentralized nature, which can enhance robustness and potentially offer greater resilience against failures or attacks on the network.