What is a common use case for a peer-to-peer network?

A common use case for a peer-to-peer network is file sharing among users. In a peer-to-peer network, each participant (or 'peer') acts as both a client and a server, allowing them to share resources, such as files, directly with one another without the need for a central server. This decentralized structure encourages efficient file transfer, as users can retrieve and upload files from multiple sources simultaneously.

File sharing applications, such as those used for distributing music, videos, or documents, leverage this model to allow users to access content easily and quickly. Since all peers are considered equal and can directly interact with one another, the process often results in faster download speeds and a broader range of available files.

In contrast, large corporate databases typically rely on client-server architectures for security and organizational control, while internet routing and data encryption involve systematic processes and protocols that do not function optimally in a purely peer-to-peer structure. These concepts are better suited to more centralized or structured network models.