P2P vs Client–Server
In this model, devices share directly with each other without a dedicated central server.
What is peer-to-peer (P2P)?
This device connects your home network to your ISP (cable/fiber/DSL) to bring internet into the building.
What is a modem?
Most common modern wired layout: all devices connect to one central switch/router.
What is a star topology?
OSI Layer 1: deals with signals, cables, radio waves, connectors.
What is the Physical layer?
In this model, your phone requests content from a central system that controls access and stores data.
What is client–server?
The secure protocol used by most websites and apps for encrypted traffic.
What is HTTPS?
This device directs traffic between your home network and the internet; often your “default gateway.”
What is a router?
A topology where devices share one main cable; if the main line fails, many devices are affected.
What is a bus topology?
OSI Layer 3: responsible for routing packets using IP addresses.
What is the Network layer?
AirDrop/Nearby Share is most like this model because devices connect directly to exchange files.
What is peer-to-peer (P2P)
This protocol automatically assigns your device an IP address when you join Wi-Fi.
What is DHCP?
This device connects many wired devices on the same LAN and forwards traffic using MAC addresses.
What is a switch?
A topology where devices form a loop; a single break can cause problems unless there’s redundancy.
What is a ring topology?
OSI Layer 4: uses ports and decides between reliable vs fast delivery (TCP vs UDP).
What is the Transport layer?
TikTok/Instagram feeds rely on this model because content is stored and delivered from company servers.
What is client–server
This transport protocol is faster and often used for gaming/voice because it doesn’t guarantee delivery.
What is UDP?
This device provides Wi-Fi coverage so phones/laptops can connect to the network.
What is an access point (AP)?
Common in home “mesh Wi-Fi” systems: multiple nodes connect with multiple paths for resilience.
What is a mesh topology?
Best practice: enabling this adds a second step to login, reducing account takeover risk.
What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
One major downside of client–server networks: if this central component goes down, everyone can be affected.
What is the server (central server)?
This email protocol is used to send mail out from a client to a mail server.
What is SMTP?
This security device filters traffic based on rules to block threats and control access.
What is a firewall?
Most real networks combine multiple topologies (wired star + wireless coverage), known as this.
What is a hybrid topology?
Safety rule: you should only scan/test networks when you have this, otherwise it can become a policy/legal issue.
What is authorization/permission?