Short question with hint
- What is a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network?*
- Answer: A Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network is a decentralized network that distributes workloads among peers, which are equally privileged, equipotent participants. Each peer acts as both a client and a server, allowing for direct sharing of information, files, or resources without a centralized administrative system.
- List two key characteristics of P2P networks.*
- Answer: Two key characteristics of P2P networks are decentralization, where there’s no single point of control and each device acts as both a client and server, and resource sharing, where peers can share files, storage space, processing power, or internet bandwidth directly with each other.
- What is one advantage of P2P networks regarding scalability?
- Answer: An advantage of P2P networks regarding scalability is that as more peers join the network, the resource pool expands automatically, making the network highly scalable.
- Identify a disadvantage of P2P networks related to security.*
- Answer: A disadvantage of P2P networks related to security is that ensuring data security can be challenging since there’s no central authority to enforce security measures.
- How do P2P networks contribute to the efficiency of distributing resources?
- Answer: P2P networks contribute to efficiency by distributing resources across several devices, which can be more efficient than relying on a single server, as resources are pooled from the collective capabilities of all peers in the network.
- What role do P2P networks play in the functioning of cryptocurrencies?
- Answer: P2P networks underpin the operation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin by allowing decentralized transaction processing and recording, eliminating the need for a central authority to validate transactions.
- What is a node in the context of a blockchain network?
- Answer: In the context of a blockchain network, a node is a computer or device connected to the network that stores a local copy of the blockchain ledger and participates in network activities, contributing to its security and functionality.
- Differentiate between Full Nodes and Light Nodes in a blockchain network.*
- Answer: Full Nodes download and store the entire blockchain history, verifying transactions and ensuring network integrity. Light Nodes download only a portion of the blockchain, relying on Full Nodes for the rest of the history, making them lighter and faster but with less validating power.
- What is the function of Miner Nodes in Proof-of-Work blockchains?*
- Answer: In Proof-of-Work blockchains, Miner Nodes compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles to create new blocks and earn rewards. They verify transactions and add them to the blockchain, acting as security guards for the network.
- Explain how P2P networks support content distribution.
- Answer: P2P networks support content distribution by efficiently distributing large files, such as videos or software updates, directly among users. This reduces the load on any single server and speeds up download times by leveraging the collective bandwidth and resources of the network.
Long Questions with Hint
1. Design a P2P File Sharing Application (Creation Level)
Question: Consider the scenario wherein one is engaged in the development of an innovative peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing application that is specifically engineered to function reliably and securely across a blockchain network. Please elucidate on how you would exploit the attributes of peer-to-peer networks to augment the exchange of files between users. In your design, take into account file integrity, user privacy, and network scalability, among other factors.*
Answer: The design of the P2P file-sharing application would capitalize on the decentralization characteristic of P2P networks by eliminating the need for a central server, thus enhancing user privacy and network resilience. For file integrity, blockchain technology could be employed to create immutable records of file hashes, ensuring that any file shared in the network remains tamper-proof. To maintain user privacy, encryption techniques could be applied to the files being shared and the communication channels between peers. Network scalability would be addressed by allowing the network to expand resources and capabilities as more peers join, using distributed hash tables (DHT) for efficient file location and retrieval. Additionally, incorporating incentives for file seeding could ensure a healthy distribution of resources, optimizing network bandwidth and storage.
2. Evaluate the Security Challenges in P2P Networks (Evaluation Level)
Question: Conduct a critical analysis of the security obstacles that peer-to-peer (P2P) networks encounter, with a specific focus on those that function within the blockchain ecosystem. This essay shall analyze the ways in which the intrinsic characteristics of peer-to-peer networks engender and alleviate these security concerns, while also suggesting approaches to bolster security measures while preserving the network’s decentralized structure.
Answer: P2P networks face security challenges such as data privacy breaches, malicious nodes, and Sybil attacks. The decentralized feature of P2P networks, while eliminating a single point of failure, also complicates the enforcement of uniform security measures. However, this same decentralization can mitigate risks by dispersing data across multiple nodes, making it difficult for attackers to compromise the network fully. Strategies to enhance security include implementing robust encryption methods for data in transit and at rest, utilizing reputation-based systems to identify and isolate malicious nodes, and employing consensus algorithms in blockchain-based P2P networks to validate transactions and nodes’ behavior. Leveraging blockchain technology can also enhance traceability and accountability, further securing the network.
3. Analyze the Impact of Node Diversity on Network Performance (Analysis Level)
Question: Determine the effect of node diversity (including Full Nodes, Light Nodes, and Miner Nodes) on the functionality and performance of a peer-to-peer blockchain network. The nodes in question perform crucial functions such as data storage, transaction verification, and network scalability.*
Answer: Node diversity significantly impacts the performance and functionality of blockchain-based P2P networks. Full Nodes enhance network integrity by storing complete blockchain history and verifying transactions, although they require more resources and may slow down as the blockchain grows. Light Nodes contribute to scalability and speed, requiring fewer resources by only storing partial blockchain data and relying on Full Nodes for complete transaction history, making the network accessible to devices with limited capabilities. Miner Nodes secure the network through transaction verification and block creation in Proof-of-Work systems, requiring significant computational power but ensuring network consensus and resistance to double-spending attacks. The balanced interaction between these nodes maintains the network’s decentralized nature, ensures data integrity and availability, and allows for scalability as the network grows.
4. Design a Strategy to Overcome the Disadvantages of P2P Networks (Synthesis Level)
Question: In light of the drawbacks associated with peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, including security susceptibilities, inconsistent performance, and legal complications pertaining to copyright infringement, formulate an all-encompassing approach to effectively tackle these obstacles while preserving the fundamental benefits of decentralization, scalability, and efficiency.
Answer: To address security vulnerabilities, the strategy would involve implementing end-to-end encryption for data transfers, regular security audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities, and a decentralized identity verification system to prevent unauthorized access. For performance inconsistency, adaptive resource allocation mechanisms could be used, where the network dynamically adjusts resource distribution based on demand, coupled with incentivization models to encourage resource sharing among peers. To tackle legal issues, a robust content verification system could be introduced to filter copyrighted material, along with a transparent policy enforcement mechanism that allows peers to report and remove illegal content without central oversight. This comprehensive strategy preserves the benefits of P2P networks while mitigating their primary disadvantages, ensuring a secure, efficient, and legally compliant network environment.