What is a characteristic of a peer-to-peer application?

A peer-to-peer application is characterized by the ability of each device on the network to act as both a client and a server, which means that each device can provide a user interface. This allows users to interact with the application and share resources directly with one another without the need for a central server. In a peer-to-peer network, each device can send and receive data directly to and from other devices, fostering collaboration and resource sharing among users.

In contrast, the other options highlight characteristics typical of alternative network architectures. For example, having data stored on a central server suggests a client-server model, where clients access services and data hosted on a dedicated server. A network controlled by a single device implies centralized management and control, which is not a characteristic of peer-to-peer systems. Additionally, while authentication is important in many networking scenarios, peer-to-peer networks often function without a mandatory authentication step, as they prioritize direct connections between devices.