In computer science, the network known as a peer-to-peer network includes a group of devices that can easily share and store files when needed. Each participant operates as a separate individual and is termed as node. Those nodes have equal capability and can do the same kind of tasks.
In financial technology, the term peer-to-peer is referred as interaction between two parties through a distributed network. A P2P platform enables its users, mainly sellers and buyers, to perform the trades without the help of any intermediaries. In some other cases, the websites can also offer a P2P environment that can connect the borrowers and the lenders.
So, here removing the intermediaries is the main key. Moreover, there are different environments of P2P or platforms that can connect the peers while not interfering with the actual process. The P2P network of this system is one of the major reason for the success and flawless functioning and exchange of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The first concept of P2P was used in the year 1990 for file-sharing programs.
How does the peer to peer technology works?
First of all, you should know that the P2P system is usually maintained by a specific network of users that is distributed. Meaning they have no server or central administrator, for each node has a copy of the important files and can act both as a server and client to the other nodes. Hence, they can download from or upload files to the others. This is the crucial point, which differentiates the P2P networks from those traditional server-client systems, where the client devices have to download important files from a centralized server.
The use of software applications is mainly designed to control data sharing. In the case of the P2P network, the connected devices can share files that are usually stored on the hard drives. After the user has already downloaded a file, they can easily act as an important source of that specific file. Also, the users can perform queries about other devices that are on the network to both find and download the important files.
To express it another way, when any node usually works as a client, they mainly download the required files from the other network nodes. However, when they usually work as a server, they become the source from which any other nodes can download files. So, we can say that both the functions can be easily executed simultaneously with this system.
Unlike the traditional ones, this P2P network works seamlessly. Being a distributed ledger technology, the information remains distributed across the node. As every node can transmit, store and receive important files, this P2P network usually works much faster and in a more efficient way, and thus their user base grows to a larger amount. Moreover, the distributed architecture makes the P2P system completely resistant to different cyberattacks.
Types of the P2P system
There are three types of P2P systems: structured, unstructured, and hybrid.
The relation between P2P system and blockchains
As Bitcoin was made in a digital form, one can easily transfer this from one person to another through this P2P system. This P2P network usually manages a distributed ledger and is popular as a blockchain.
The inherent P2P architecture of this blockchain technology is the main part that enables Bitcoins and other types of cryptocurrencies to be used and transferred around the world. This system works without the help of any central server or intermediaries. In addition to this, any person can easily set up a node of Bitcoin if they want to participate in validating and verifying the blocks.
So, there is no need to record the transactions or bank processing in this Bitcoins network. Instead, this blockchain can work as a digital ledger and record all the important activities publicly. Usually, each node has a copy of that blockchain and can compare it to make sure that the data is error-free. For this reason, a lot of investors have shown interest in Bitcoin and are using secured platform benefits of blockchain in gaming for the trading of Bitcoins.
Conclusion
Thus, peer-to-peer architecture is used and developed in different ways, and it is the main part of the blockchain, which makes the trading system regarding cryptocurrencies very easy.
