Peer-to-Peer Networking

A peer-to-peer network consists of a group of PCs that operate as equals. Each PC is called a peer. The peers share resources (such as and printers) just like in a server-based network, although no specialized or dedicated server machines exist. In short, each PC can act as a client or a server. No one machine is set up with a higher- powered set of devices, nor is any one PC set up simply to provide one service (such as storing ?les). Small networks-usually with fewer than 10 machines-can work well in this con?guration. In larger networks, companies usually move to a server-based network because many clients requesting to use a shared resource can put too much strain on one client's PC. Examples of peer-to-peer networks include Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, and Windows NT Workstation. Many actual network environments consist of a combination of server-based and peer-to-peer networking models. In the real world, companies often grow from a peer-to-peer network into a client/server-based network. The following analogy might help you better understand the use of each type of network. A small company of 10 employees might choose to implement a car pool strategy. Let's say four employees get together, and each takes a turn driving the other three employees to work. This is analogous to a peer-to-peer network. Just like a peer-to-peer network, in which no one PC is responsible for dedicating itself to providing a service, no one car is dedicated to providing transportation. As the company grows to 400 employees, it might be decided that the number of employees justi?es the purchase of a dedicated ride- pool van with a dedicated driver. This is analogous to a client/server network, in which a dedicated machine is used to provide a service. In this example, the company has dedicated a van to providing a ride-share service. As you can see in this analogy, no single network model ?ts all situations. A car pool in a small company is an ef?cient and cost-effective way to get people to work. A bus probably is not economically feasible for a small company. In a big company, however, the use of a bus becomes feasible. Peer-to-peer networks can work well for small workgroups. Client/server networks provide the necessary resources for larger groups of users.