Peer-to-Peer

Peer-to-Peer

1. 'A network arrangement where each computer is of equal status'

   • Each computer has equal status - no computer has more rights than another
   • Most common type of network for peoples' homes - can share files and printers
   • Each computer can access the resources on any of the network computers
   • P2P is popular with Internet users as they can share files; there are legal issues with this

2. Advantages

   • COST SAVING: no server is needed as all of the computers have the same access rights
   • NO NETWORK MANAGER NEEDED: responsibility is shared between users
   • EASY TO SET UP: simplest form of network
   • LOWER OPERATING COSTS: less setup and maintenance costs
   • PEER RESPONSIBILITY: users decide what resources other users can see, use and open

3. Disadvantages

   • BACKUPS CANNOT BE MADE CENTRALLY: users have to back up their own data; there is no guarantee all users will do this
   • USERS NEED GOOD IT KNOWLEDGE: they will be responsible for files on their computer and setting up the network
   • SOME COMPUTERS MAY RUN SLOWLY: computers that have resources on that all users use may run slowly
   • ONLY SUITABLE FOR SMALL NETWORKS: usually 15 computers