Comparing different ways devices share files and access resources remotely — including the rapidly growing Internet of Things.
File sharing concepts:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing | Files are shared directly between users' devices rather than through a central server, e.g. BitTorrent — download speed can improve as more peers share the file, but availability/completeness depends on peers being online |
| FTP | A dedicated client-server protocol for uploading/downloading files |
| WebDAV | Extends HTTP to support collaborative file editing/management on a remote server, closer to working with a shared network drive |
Remote access methods:
| Method | Description | Risk / Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Remote access software (e.g. TeamViewer) | Lets a user control another computer over the Internet as if sitting in front of it | Advantage: convenient IT support/collaboration; Risk: if compromised, gives an attacker full control of the remote machine |
| VPN (Virtual Private Network) | Creates a secure, encrypted tunnel over a public network, letting a remote user access a private network as if directly connected | Advantage: strong security/privacy for remote work; Risk: performance depends on the VPN server's capacity and the user's internet connection |
Internet of Things (IoT) — the concept of everyday physical devices (appliances, sensors, wearables) being connected to and accessible over the Internet, allowing remote monitoring/control and data collection.
💡 Exam Tip
For 'risks and advantages' questions on remote access, always pair a genuine convenience benefit with a genuine security risk — examiners want to see you understand the trade-off, not just one side.