Peer to Peer Networking

A peer-to-peer network can be defined as several computers connected to each other, with no one computer acting as a Server. A Server, being a machine that controls and negotiates all communications amongst its client computers. The smallest and simplest peer network would consist of two computers connected to each other through a cable running between their network cards. Larger peer networks, such as those that follow a star topology, need a device such as a hub to act as the nexus through which all network communications pass. (Alternate configurations for peer networks use a bus topology. Older 10 baseT coaxial network segments had all the computers hooked into a main trunk.)

Peer networks are best suited for small, trusted environments. There is a point at which the number of computers connected in a peer-to-peer configuration becomes impractical or insecure and a client/server network becomes a better alternative. However, for a small business or a home network environment, a peer-to-peer configuration is a good option because of its ease of use and low maintenance requirements. Peer networks allow users to share resources such as printers, scanners and storage devices without the need for expensive, high maintenance equipment such as servers. All the software needed to establish a peer network comes standard with the Windows® operating systems, which in turn is standard on almost every Intel based PC sold. In the home these networks can be used to establish multi-player gaming environments, Internet sharing, or simply sharing hardware such as printers or scanners among several machines.