Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks

The peer-to-peer network is the simplest form of network. In P2P network, every computer connected directly to the other computer. By default, no computer on P2P network has more authority than another. In P2P network, each computer can be configured to share some of its resources and data with the network members. Each computer in P2P is capable of sending and receiving data to and from every other computer.

In every type of networks there are advantages and disadvantages to the network.

The advantages of using traditional peer-to-peer networks are:-

1. It is simple to configure.
2. It is less expensive to set up and maintain than Client/Server Network.
3. Safe from viruses, adware, and other malicious object from the Internet as it is usually connected to a close network.

The disadvantages of using peer-to-peer network:

1. Not flexible. As the network grows larger it tends to be hard to maintain the networks, such as, adding or changing the elements of the P2P network.
2. Not necessarily secure – even though it will not be infected by malicious software from the net, it can be access by unauthorized people from other network users.
3. Not practical for connecting more than several computers. As they do not always centralize resources.

Although traditional peer-to-peer networks are typically small and usually are set up in the home or small office, in the last few years, large P2P networks have emerged through the use of the Internet. People all around the world share files between each others’ computers. Unlike the traditional P2P networks, this types of network require the use of specialize software. Examples of these networks are the original Napster, Gnutella, and Freenet.