Peer to Peer Network Architecture

Often referred to simply as peer-to-peer, or abbreviated P2P, a type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. This differs from client/server architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the others. Peer-to-peer networks are generally simpler, but they usually do not offer the same performance under heavy loads.

Advantages of a peer to peer network Less initial expense - No need for a dedicated server. No need for a network administrator Network is fast/inexpensive to setup & maintain Each PC can make backup copies of its data to other PCs for security.  Easiest type of network to build

The Bottom Line The Fact!

90% of small businesses in New Zealand are still running in a peer to peer network environment, which is limiting productivity and is utilizing an out of date architecture.

The drawbacks of the Peer-to-Peer model are higher ongoing administration costs, limited security, scalability and virtually non-existent fault tolerance.  Avoid investing your limited technology budget in a "dead end" peer-to-peer networking solution which is difficult to support and expensive to upgrade.

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