6 Good reasons to adopt a peer to peer network

Peer to peer networking is the easiest way to share a resource within a small organisation. In particular, it is suitable for organisations with less than 10 computers. In this technology, client computers act as both clients and servers. This technology holds enormous benefits, and here are 6 good reasons to adopt this technology.

Less control

There is no central administration in this type of network. A user decides whether to share resources or not. Users decide who to allow access to their resource. There is no need for a technical server administrator to control resources. Which makes a significant change to savings too.

Cheap to implement

Even organisations with computers between 2 to 10 can install a network and share resources. Thus it is cheap and cost effective to install a peer to peer network than it is to use computers as stand-alone.

Different logins

Different logins eliminate centralised administration where a network administrator has to grant permission to the use of resources. Clearly, anyone can access a resource without the pain of going through so much security in this type of network.

Backup and maintenance

Users have to backup each resource differently, possibly on different media. The advantage is that the destruction of one media would not affect the other. This provide added security.

Cost effective

Building a dedicated server requires a lot of thought. But there is more because resources like processors, memory, backup strategy, server software and licence all come into play. Whereas all a peer to peer network needs is a number of nodes, software, network interface card and connecting devices such as hub and switch.

Performance

In a client-server technology, the malfunctioning of a server affects network performance. However, peer to peer technology operates differently. Because the failure of a node hardly affects the performance of the network.

Peer to peer technology is an attractive proposition for any small business or even home user. If the issue of compromise is not a particular concern, then it certainly may be the way to go.

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6 benefits of client server technology

Networking is a useful technology because it allows resources to be shared. There are two types of networking and they are client server technology and peer to peer networking. This article will concentrate on the benefits of client- server technology. But the accompanying infographics would compare client-server technology with peer to peer system, and also show three types of topologies.

Before continuing, though, please be advised that if you have need an understanding of the very basics of networking, please refer to this article.

• Fast and efficient

The very essence of this technology means that servers provide services to clients. Servers are like public servants. Computers request services like printing and the server act on the request. Because servers provide dedicated services, they tend to be fast, efficient and 'furious'.

• Security

All resources are centralised in this environment. And in order to get access to any particular resource, a user requires access to a password and username. These must be provided by a server administrator. This same administrator has also got the power to alter the security information of users or the system. And without their permission, nothing can be done.

• Single login

Even though resources are attached to different servers, which are most of the time scattered at different locations, users just need a single  ID to access them. This spares the user any agony of remembering different passwords for different resources.

• Data Storage

Backing up data too is made easy as everything is got to be done from one system.

• Network growth

In a peer to peer networking, the system begins to slow down as the organisation grows or the number of client computers increase. This is the exact opposite of server technology. They are built for high impact and can handle an extensive workload. They are scalable and grows as the number of clients increase.

• Centralised administration

A server does not need to be in the same building as client computers. It can be controlled from any location. This makes it possible to have a large network as servers can be located in different geographical areas.

As seen from the above, this kind of technology has a number of benefits. So if the above holds any appeal to your organisation, then you may want to consider client server technology.

Introduction to computer networking

A simple network

Computer networking is one of the most efficient ways of using resources. Networking allows the sharing of limited resources like printer, scanner, files and many others. It can be very beneficial to businesses on limited budget. Home users can also take advantage of this technology very easily.

But what is computer networking? Networking is simply the linking of computers and other devices together to enable the sharing of resources. Todays networking involves connecting computers, laptops, mobiles phones, tablets and other devices.

There are basically two ways by which this process can be achieved namely: client server technology and peer to peer network. Personally, I favour client server technology because it offers better security. Peer to peer network is however, very easy to setup and requires less overhead.

Choosing a network therefore, depends on the users particular need. If the object is just to share resources within a single office then peer to peer may be the way to go. However, if security is going to be a major concern particularly where resources are distributed in different locations, then client server technology must be the ideal choice.

Devices and computers can be linked together via wireless technology or wired technology. And it is the wireless technology that makes it easy for devices like tablets and mobile phones to partake in networking.

Choosing a network also involves choosing a topology. And anyone of these  topologies: wan, lan, star, bus and met could be used. But again, it is dependent on need and preference.

Below is a simple diagram of a network.

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