TestOut LabSim A+ Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A peer-to-peer network is designed to allow multiple devices to communicate directly with one another without the need for a central server. In this type of network, each device, or "peer," can act as both a client and a server, enabling shared access to resources such as files or printers among all connected devices. This decentralized approach facilitates direct communication, making it efficient for smaller setups or situations where resources can be shared between users without relying on centralized control or management.

In contrast, client-server networks depend on a central server to manage resources and communication, where clients request services or resources from the server. A hybrid network combines elements of both client-server and peer-to-peer structures, incorporating the benefits and functionalities of each model. A local area network (LAN) is a broad term that can encompass various types of network configurations, including both peer-to-peer and client-server setups, but it doesn't inherently describe a specific communication style like peer-to-peer does.