Peer-to-Peer Networks

In a peer-to-peer network, there are no dedicated servers, and there is no hierarchy among the
computers. All the computers are equal and therefore are known as peers. Each computer
functions as both a client and a server.
And there is no administrator responsible for the entire network. The user at each computer
determines what data on that computer is shared on the network. Below figure shows a peer-topeer network in which each computer functions as both a client and a server.
Computers in a peer-to-peer network are called peers. In a peer-to-peer network, all computers
are considered equal; they all have the same abilities to use the resources available on the
network. Each computer can function both as a client and a server. Computers are not dedicated
to function as servers. They use the network to share resources among the independent peers.
The computer whose applications are required by the other networked computers functions as a
server. The other computers function as clients. Therefore, a dedicated administrator is not
assigned for network management.
A peer-to-peer network is a small group of people using a network. Peer-to-peer networks
members usually perform similar tasks, which necessitates the sharing of resources. The peer-topeer networks support 10 computers. The users in a peer-to-peer network are located in the same
geographical area. Operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows XP,
can be used to set up a peer-to-peer network. Additional software is not required because peer-topeer networking is built into the systems.
Another important point of peer-to-peer networks is that the users of each computer plan and
control the security of their resources. The users determine the resources on their computers,
which can be shared on the network. The shared network resources, such as disk space, printers
or faxes, can be used by anyone who has access to the network. This is possible only if the
shared network resources are not password protected. Peer-to-peer networks have weak and
intrusive security because a central server is not used to administer and secure the network. In
addition, some users may not implement security.
A peer-to-peer network does not support a central login process. This implies that a user who
logs on to one peer can access any shared network resource, which is not controlled by a specific
password. Peer-to-peer networks are relatively simple. Because each computer functions as a
client and a server, there is no need for a powerful central server or for the other components
required for a high-capacity network. Peer-to-peer networks can be less expensive than serverbased networks.

Peer-to-peer networks are simple and inexpensive to install and maintain. The cost of
implementing peer-to-peer networks is low because a central server is not used to administer the
network. In addition, the components for a high-capacity network are not required in a peer-topeer network.
In a peer-to-peer network, the users handle administration. This means that all the users need to
be trained in how to share files, folders, and printers. In a peer-to-peer network, suddenly
shutting down your computer can cause one of your colleagues to be unable to print.
Peer-to-peer networks are appropriate for environments where all the users are located in the
same geographical area and the network security is not an important factor. In addition, these
networks are useful when the network expansion is limited.

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network:

Less initial expense - No need for a dedicated server.

Setup - An operating system (such as Windows XP) already in place may only
need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer operations.

Disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network:

Decentralized - No Centralized server.

Security - Does not provide the security available on a peer-to-peer network.