Peer-to-Peer Networks

Peer-to-peer (P2P) systems are distributed systems in which nodes of equal roles and capabilities exchange information and services directly with each other. P2P has emerged as a popular way to share huge volumes of data. Sharing such large volumes of data is made possible by distributing the main costs – disk space for storing the files and bandwidth for transferring them – across the peers in the network. In addition to the ability to pool together and harness large amounts of resources, the strengths of existing P2P systems include self-organization, load-balancing, adaptation, and fault tolerance. Because of these desirable qualities, many research projects have been focused on understanding the issues surrounding these systems and improving their performance.

Figure 3: Shows a peer-to-peer network

Benefits of peer-to-peer networks

1. Software used

Any windows and macOS can work to make a peer-to-peer network. You don’t need any network operating system. I mean you don’t need a windows server operating system. The standard operating system can work to make a network. Any operating system can be used to access files from the network. Companies have to not invest huge money in managing P2P networks and employees become more productive in using a P2P network. The operating system has already software built-in to make a P2P network.

2. Resume Download

If you are downloading any large file and for some reason, the network is discounted then upon reconnection to the network you can resume the download easily i.e. your download will not start from the beginning but will be resumed.

3. No server is needed

You don’t need any expensive server to control the computers in the network. Any computer on the network behaves as the server and can access the files and control which files can be protected on the computer.

4. Inexpensive

Setting up a peer-to-peer network is inexpensive. The end users do have not to pay any monthly fees or licenses to access the network. Also, there is no need to set up an expensive server to manage the network.

5. No need for a specialist

Any person can operate the computer on the network. There is no extra network technician needed to handle the working of the network. There is a shared folder in which you can share your files. You can also share your DVD drive, USB driver, or printer. It is easy to maintain a P2P network. Also, no file server is needed in this network.

6. Free access to files online

If you are connected to the internet then you have access to the torrent by which you have access to a vast variety of files and you can download them for free anytime. The download speed is also fast in the case of torrents because hundreds of computers are sharing the same files over the network.

7. Easier to setup

It is easy to set up a P2P network. In windows OS you just need to create or join the workgroup and you are connected to the network. You can access any computer in the network that is connected.

8. Easily scalable

It is easy to add a new node to the network. You just need an extra copper wire or USB cable to attach the node (computer) to the network.

Comparisons Between P2P Networks and Cloud Computing

P2P is all about sharing, and sharing is a social activity. Any user who wants to share their computing resources like files, storage, and programs with others for free can utilize P2P networks over cloud computing