In the third video overview of the presentation by Konrad Baechler, co-founder of the diva.exchange association, at Lucerne University (HSLU), the discussion revolves around distributed system architectures, their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as their evolution and dynamics.

Client-Server Architecture (“Cloud”)

One of the most widely used architectures is the client-server model. It is based on a central server to which clients connect. This model is popular due to its simplicity; however, it has often several key limitations:

• Single Point of Failure: If the server fails, the entire system stops functioning.
• The need for trust relationships: The client and server must trust each other, which creates security vulnerabilities.
• Limited scalability: The server’s load increases as the number of clients grows.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Systems

Unlike the client-server model, P2P systems eliminate single points of failure and distribute computing power across network nodes. The main advantages of P2P architecture include:

• High fault tolerance: The system continues operating even if some nodes fail.
• No need for trust: Node interactions rely on cryptographic methods.
• Flexibility: New nodes can dynamically join and leave the system.

However, these systems require rather complex algorithms for managing communication between nodes, as well as extensive testing before deployment.

Communication in Distributed Systems

A key feature of distributed systems is asynchronous communication. Unlike traditional synchronous models, where messages are transmitted in strict order, distributed systems may experience:

• Message duplication
• Receiving messages out of order
• The use of cryptographic mechanisms for authentication

For efficient data transmission in P2P networks, Gossip gets used—this system relays messages through multiple nodes, similar to how news spread in a social environment.

Anonymity and Security in Distributed Systems

Modern P2P networks can operate in anonymous modes using overlay networks, such as I2P (Invisible Internet Project). These technologies enable:

• User privacy protection
• Prevention of network surveillance
• Reducing the risk of censorship

However, such systems operate slower than traditional networks, as they provide additional features through encryption and complex routing mechanisms.

Conclusion

Distributed systems are actively evolving: sometimes also as a transation from centralized client-server models to decentralized P2P architectures. Security, fault tolerance, and data anonymity play a crucial role in this transition. Modern technologies like anonymous P2P networks address these challenges, making distributed systems more resilient and adaptable.

THIS IS DIVA.EXCHANGE

The non-profit association diva.exchange, Switzerland, uses a barrier-free and collaborative approach to create free banking technology for everyone. Open-source technology ensures the privacy of all participants in the financial system of the future. The blockchain-based system is fully distributed. Everyone can participate in diva.exchange.

Diva.exchange is committed to the belief that only commercially free technology can reliably protect user privacy.

Collaboration with the scientific community plays an important role in the development of diva.exchange. The results of diva.exchange research are constantly being validated by academic institutions and publicly presented at specialized conferences.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK

All technical information is available at: https://github.com/diva-exchange/

I2P beginner’s guide and installation guide:https://www.diva.exchange/en/privacy/introduction-to-i2p-your-own-internet-secure-private-and-free/

All videos are here: https://odysee.com/@diva.exchange:d/

Introduction to I2P: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I2P

Testnet of diva.exchange: https://testnet.diva.exchange

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