Peer-to-peer
Definition
From Wikipedia: “A peer-to-peer (or P2P) computer network relies primarily on the computing power and bandwidth of the participants in the network rather than concentrating it in a relatively low number of servers. P2P networks are typically used for connecting nodes via largely ad hoc connections. Such networks are useful for many purposes. Sharing content files (see file sharing) containing audio, video, data or anything in digital format is very common, and realtime data, such as telephony traffic, is also passed using P2P technology.”
Peer-to-peer networks are not based on the transfer of information between a client and a central server but between users that are equal peers that can serve and receive information from other networked peers.
Educators have gained interest in peer-to-peer networking because of the resemblance of the network and information architectures of P2P to collaborative learning
References
- Biström,J. (2005). Peer-to-Peer Networks as Collaborative Learning Environments, HUT T-110.551. Seminar on Internetworking. [1]