Peer-to-Peer Model

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, each computer is directly connected together. This removes the need for a central server.

Peers

Each computer on the P2P network is known as a peer.
Each peer can act as both a client and a server depending on what task they are trying to accomplish.

Uses of P2P networks

P2P networks are commonly used for:
- File transfer.
- Streaming video from computer to mobile or TV.
- Wireless printing.
- Bluetooth speakers.

Responsibility

Each peer on the network is responsible for their own maintenance and making sure that they remain connected to the network.

Pros of the Peer-to-Peer Model

Some networking problems are well suited to peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, whereas others are more suited to client-server solutions. In any case study, you should weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.

Easy setup

A P2P network is very easy to set up.

Cheap

A P2P network is cheaper than a client-server network.
No expensive or dedicated hardware is needed.

Robust

A P2P network has no centralised server.
If one peer fails, the others can still use the network.

Cons of the Peer-to-Peer Model

Some networking problems are well suited to peer-to-peer networks, whereas others are more suited to client-server solutions. In any case study, you should weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.

No central maintainence

Without a central server there is no central management.
This means that we cannot update the software and security of the peers as easily.

File duplication

Files have to be duplicated and transferred between machines.
This can lead to multiple versions that can become out of date.

Peers may lose connection

Peers may lose connection when we are trying to access them.

1Components of a Computer

1.1Structure & Function of the Processor

1.1.1Structure of the CPU

1.1.2Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle

1.1.3Factors Affecting CPU Performance

1.1.4CPU Architecture

1.2Types of Processors

1.2.1CISC & RISC

1.2.2Multicore & Parallel Cores

1.3Input, Output & Storage

1.3.1Computer Systems

1.3.2Magnetic Storage

1.3.3Optical Storage

1.3.4Types of Optical Storage

1.3.5Types of Memory

1.3.6Flash Memory

1.3.7Virtual Memory

2Software & Software Development

3Exchanging Data

4Data Types, Data Structures & Algorithms

4.1Data Types

4.1.1Data Types

4.1.2Arrays & Strings

4.1.3Representing Numbers

4.1.4Binary Arithmetic

4.1.5Hexadecimal

4.1.6Converting Binary Numbers

4.1.7Floating Points in Binary

4.1.8Floating Point Arithmetic

4.1.9Bitwise Manipulation

4.1.10Character Sets

4.2Data Structures

4.2.1Arrays, Linked Lists & Queues

4.2.2Graphs, Hash Tables & Stacks

4.2.3Trees

4.3Boolean Algebra

4.3.1Computational Logic

4.3.2Boolean Logic

4.3.3Karnaugh Maps

4.3.4Boolean Identities

4.3.5Flip Flops & Adder Circuits

5Legal, Moral, Cultural & Ethical Issues

5.1Computing Related Legislation

5.1.1Data Protection Act (1998)

5.1.2Computer Misuse Act (1990)

5.1.3Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988)

5.1.4Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)

5.2Moral & Ethical Issues

5.2.1Online Activity Tracking

5.2.2Censorship

5.2.3Cultural Issues

5.2.4Environmental Issues

5.2.5Layout, Colour Paradigms & Character Sets

6Elements of Computational Thinking

6.1Thinking Abstractly

6.1.1Abstraction

6.2Thinking Procedurally

6.2.1Decomposition

6.3Thinking Logically

6.3.1Pseudocode & Flow Diagrams

7Problem Solving & Programming

7.1Programming Techniques

7.1.1Programming Fundamentals

7.1.2Modularity

7.2Programming Construction

7.2.1Integrated Development Environments

7.2.2Testing

8Algorithms

8.1Algorithms

8.1.1Interpreting, Correcting & Completing Algorithm

8.1.2Sort Algorithms

8.1.3Insertion & Merge Sort

8.1.4Search Algorithms

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