It’s important to acknowledge what client servers and peer-to-peer (often known as p2p) are. They have differences in how it operates, and people interested in the world of blockchain networks need to know it.
These concepts have gained popularity during the last few years, especially in countries where their currency isn’t solid. This, made people adopt different p2p methods, such as the globally known Binance, to achieve a more stable situation.
Exploring the origins and meaning of the foundations and backbones of systems used today is vital to know more about the blockchains and crypto world.
What is Client Server Networks?
A client-server network is something that includes many people, clients, or workstations that are connected to at least one central server. Almost every data and application related to this network is installed in this place, and when users want to access it, they do it there.
Some client servers are faster than others, depending on their needs. This is affected by its design and how many people need to use it.
Upgrading different software and sharing information is much easier since everything is held on only one computer. However, every client-server network needs an enhanced security program to protect the data.
Also, client-server networks comprise single central computers that behave like a server. They direct other computers or clients to it. Users accessing it can access the shared information and files saved on the computer.
What is Peer to Peer Networks?
P2p networks are computer groups or sets of computer systems connected through the web. They allow the direct share of files between a network system without needing a special or central server.
A peer-to-peer network also involves two (or more) computers that group individual technological devices, such as printers, DVD players, or disk drivers. These shared resources are always available in the network of every PC.
The server and client communicate between computers with the other devices directly. In these peer-to-peer networks, machines like the printer are used by one of the computers present in the node.
It is very cheap to set up this type of network. Only something is mandatory: having a Wi-Fi router or an Ethernet cable to set it up. The model does not differ the results between the server and the client since every node works as intended. In p2p networks, all nodes can request and respond to other services.
This type of network form is very common in small offices that don’t require dedicated file servers. Mac, Linux, and Windows client versions also function as a node in p2p networks, allowing the share of files.
Client Server Networks vs Peer to Peer Networks
When it comes to comparing client server vs peer to peer, it’s important to remark that both connect computers and devices so files are shared. After that clarification, these are some of the most evident differences:
- In client-server networks, every client and server is differentiated. This does not happen in peer-to-peer networks.
- Client-server networks are mainly used to share info; meanwhile, p2p networks focus on getting the best connectivity possible.
- Servers respond to clients’ requests in client-servers. In peer-to-peer, each node can request as well as respond.
- Due to the resources used, client-server networks are much more costly than peer-to-peer ones. They are also more stable in comparison.
- A client-server network fits any network, no matter how big or small it is. Meanwhile, p2p ones can only be used for a small network.
- There’s no way to restore any lost data transmitted in client-server networks. If it happens on a peer-to-peer network, the node that sent it can resend it and get the info back.
Client Server vs Blockchains and the Future of P2P
Peer-to-peer networks have been around for a long time, over 20 years at least. But, while client-servers have been dominating because of their efficiency, the rise and trend of blockchain popularity have put p2p in the spotlight again.
Blockchains have “renewed” the enthusiasm for embracing p2p architectures, again viewed as a suitable way of looking forward to shared economies. This is characterized by the ideals of decentralization, profit sharing, trust, and self-determination.
Some have questioned the role of client-servers in the future and the possibility of them fading while peer-to-peer rises again. Although the truth is these networks are more efficient than p2p, and they will have a strong presence in technology stacks.
Of course, this does not mean that both networks will disappear soon. On the contrary, both will still be used by many users, providing many benefits to their clients.
The Role of P2P in Blockchain Networks
Blockchains have increased the peer-to-peer network popularity again because both share the same principle: the concept of decentralization. P2p architecture in blockchains allows every type of cryptocurrency to be transferred worldwide without intermediaries or central servers.
The only thing needed to distribute a coin through this network is verifying and validating blocks to set up a Bitcoin node.
Advantages of Using Peer-to-Peer Networks for Blockchain
These are the clear advantages that peer-to-peer networks offer to blockchain networks and their users around the world:
- Since blockchains are decentralized systems of peer-to-peer networks, they’re highly available thanks to the same basic concept.
- The p2p networking capabilities make it impossible to take down the entire blockchain. If one user goes down, others will still be active.
- Security provided by p2p networks is often safer than most client-servers.
- Using p2p and blockchains means clients do not need to use third-party apps that can modify files to store data.
- This type of network is virtually immune to DoS (Denial of Service) attacks. This provides blockchains a high resistance against malicious activity.
Cryptocurrency Exchanges Around the World
P2p refers to a form of crypto exchange (especially Bitcoin) that allows the commercialization of currency without a third party allowing the transaction.
These exchanges generally don’t require the involved parties to provide ID, protecting everyone’s privacy. In addition, these exchanges can be done with cash, other cryptocurrencies, or different payment forms.
Of course, this doesn’t always happen. For example, transactions are subject to changes, such as the different regulations of a country. In addition, governments require specific information to be provided (about the involved parties), which goes against the privacy purpose Bitcoins aims for.
Regulations can vary depending on the country where the participants from the exchange live. While most countries allow these exchanges and have minimum rules, others have limited their use (for example, Ecuador, Mexico, India, and Russia).
Most extreme cases, like the ones in Bolivia, Venezuela, Iran, Turkey, China, Morocco, and Egypt, have banned it. This means not only can the government not deal with or negotiate using crypto, but public use also needs to operate underground.
Benefits of P2P Crypto Trading
P2p crypto trading platforms connect many buyers and sellers, which means there are a wide variety of payment methods at their disposal. Users can opt to use traditional ones such as Paypal or credit cards and digital currencies.
In addition, these platforms often provide a lot of security measures, like two-factor authentication and encryption, which make them very secure. Valuable pieces of security advice and how to buy or sell also can be found in different posts, guides, and blogs written by the vast community.
Also, sellers can post ads and offers around the web to attract more buyers. Networks allow highly customizable offers, like proposing discounts and different payment terms. Centralized exchanges do not permit this type of flexibility when trading.
Great transaction speed is another common feature of crypto platforms. Depending on the payment method used, money can be transferred almost immediately. This is way better than waiting a few days when doing bank transfers through centralized exchanges.
A P2P trading platform also allows setting trade orders, giving more control over trades to the user. Being able to set the price to buy or sell, as well as currency amount to trade, is vital. This flexibility is unavailable on centralized exchanges, where the exchange manages the order book.
Conclusion
Comparing client servers vs peer to peer networks can give a clear picture of the uses each one has. While it is broadly known that client-servers tend to be more efficient and reliable for their users, there has been an enormous rise in the popularity of p2p.
This happened because of the blockchain trend, which has the same main concepts as peer-to-peer networks.
