How does the P2P model handle file sharing?

The P2P (peer-to-peer) model is designed for decentralized file sharing, where files are shared directly between users' devices. This means that each participant in the network can act as both a client and a server, allowing them to download files from others while also uploading parts of files they have to share with others. This direct sharing mechanism enhances efficiency and reduces the load on any single server, as it distributes the data across many sources.

This approach leverages the resources of each connected device, allowing for potentially faster download speeds and improved reliability, since files can be obtained from multiple peers simultaneously. In contrast, centralized models rely on a single server to manage file storage and access, which can create bottlenecks and single points of failure.

Thus, the P2P model fundamentally differs from the centralized approaches outlined in the other options, emphasizing user-to-user communication in the sharing process.