peer-to-peer & client-server

Peer-to-peer Networks

• There are two main types of networks, peer-to-peer and client-server.
• A peer-to-peer networks are networks where each computer is equal and they are able to communicate with each other. This means that every computer on this type of network can access all the resources of any of the other computers on the network. These types of networks are used for home networks because it allows you to share a printer and share files between each other. Software systems associated with peer-to-peer networks are Kazaa and Napster, these are the most popular software applications with users. With peer-to-peer networks, all users can access each others resources.

Advantages of peer-to-peer network

• Cost saving - there is no server needed
• No network manager is needed - all users take responsibility for the network
• Easy to set up - they are the simplest of all networks to set up, therefore they are easy for beginners and can be set up by anyone.
• There is no reliance on a server - no issues with servers breaking down
• Lower operating costs - there are less maintenance and set up costs
• Peer responsibility - users decide what resources other users can use on their computers

Disadvantages of peer-to-peer network

• Backups cannot be made centrally - users have to back up their own data
• Users need more IT knowledge - due to needing to back up their own data, they need to know how to be responsible for their own computers
• Poorer security - resources are shared, users have to decide what they share
• Some computers may run slower - if a lot of people are using a resource that is all on one computer that computer may run slower
• Users may experience difficulties in finding files - they are not organised and held centrally
• Only suitable for very small networks - better with less than 15 computers