Question

PICK ONE of these distributed computing paradigms and very briefly describe it using a real-world application:

Client-Server
Peer-to-Peer
Mobile-Agent
Distributed Objects (generally)

Answer 1

Peer-to-peer computing is a model where participants provide and consume resources, exemplified by the BitTorrent protocol, which allows efficient file sharing through a system where each peer downloads and uploads segments of files to others. (option 2)

Step-by-step explanation:

Peer-to-peer (P2P) computing is a distributed computing paradigm where each participant, or 'peer,' acts as both a client and a server. This enables direct sharing of resources without the need for a central coordinating server. A real-world application of P2P computing is the BitTorrent protocol, which facilitates the distribution of large files such as software, games, and videos. In this system, files are split into small segments. As a peer downloads a segment, it simultaneously uploads segments to other peers, effectively distributing the file among all participating peers efficiently and swiftly.

The P2P model offers scalability, reduced content distribution costs, and potential resistance to censorship or system failure due to its decentralized nature. The P2P approach contrasts with the more traditional client-server model where a single server provides resources or services to multiple clients.