7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Network | Drawbacks & Benefits of Peer to Peer Network

Peer to Peer Network: What Is It?

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is one in which multiple computers are linked together without the need for a single server. This network's computers can be configured to function as clients and servers.


Peer to Peer Network: How is it connected?

Every machine linked to the peer-to-peer network adds to the network's functionality. To make the connection, you can use a copper wire or a USB cable. Not one of the computers benefits; they are all equal peers cooperating to achieve the goal.

Peer-to-peer has gained a lot of popularity recently because it allows users to share copyrighted goods, like movies and music. Peer networks are particularly advantageous to businesses because of their sharing and connectedness of resources. 

Peer to peer networks do, however, have benefits and drawbacks, just like any other networking type. Users are able to determine the P2P network's level of benefit by weighing its advantages and cons.


I'll be providing examples of the 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Network | Drawbacks & Benefits of Peer to Peer Network in this post. You will learn about the pros and cons of using P2P networks from this post.

Now let's get started: 

 

 

Advantages of Peer to Peer Network

1. Cost

Building and sustaining a peer-to-peer network is not very expensive overall. The lack of a central configuration has resulted in a significant reduction in setup costs. 

 

Additionally, no payment is needed from any user on the network for the Windows server. There should only be one payment made.


2. Reliability

A centralized structure is not necessary for peer-to-peer networks to function. This implies that the linked computers are able to operate separately from one another. 

 

The network won't be disrupted even if one of its components breaks. Those files will only be accessible to the user.


3. Implementation

Setting up a peer-to-peer network usually doesn't require any extensive technical skills. All that's required for the connection is a hub or switch. 

 

Also, there shouldn't be many configurations needed because every connected PC is self-managing. But some specialist software is required.


4. Scalability 

One of the best aspects for scalability is P2P networking. The network's performance will not change even if more clients are added. 

 

A single file may occasionally be shared by several users. In this instance, the network will make more bandwidth available.


5. Administration

Since each user has the authority to administer their own system, there is no need for a dedicated network administrator. What kinds of files they are willing to give is up to them.


6. Server Requirement

Each linked computer serves as both a server and a workstation in peer-to-peer networking. Thus, the utilization of a dedicated server is not necessary. 

 

To access the necessary files, each authorized user can utilize their own client PC. More overhead expenses may be saved as a result.


7. Resource Sharing

The resources are distributed evenly among all users in P2P networking. Resources can be simultaneously provided and used by the connected devices. Peer-to-peer networking also makes it simple to find and download files from the internet. 

 

 

Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Network

1. Decentralization

Centralization is not a feature of peer-to-peer networking. Files are kept on separate computers because there is no central server. No single person controls the accessibility of the entire network. 

 

The users' ability to find and locate files is hampered by this. Users may lose a great deal of time if they browse through every database. 

 

2. Security

Peer-to-peer networking offers relatively less security for individual files. Other than permission assignment, there is no security. 

 

Anyone with access to it will be able to log in even if permissions are assigned. For some users, logging in from their workstation is not even necessary.


3. Performance

Peer-to-peer networks also have performance issues. Performance will deteriorate when more devices join to the network since more people will be logging into each machine. 

 

P2P networks therefore perform poorly in expanding networks. 

 

4. Virus Attacks 

Because linked computers in peer-to-peer networks are not dependent on one another, they are more vulnerable to malware and virus attacks. 

 

Even if the other computers are shielded by firewall or antivirus software, a virus that tends to infect one machine could quickly spread to the others. Consequently, each user bears the obligation of ensuring that their system is virus-free.


5. Remote Access

Unsecured code types may occasionally be found on a specific terminal. In the event that this is the case, there is a chance that remote users may access network files without the necessary authorization. A network compromise may result from this.


6. Backup Recovery

P2P networks make backup extremely challenging because the data is decentralized. It is kept on several systems. 

 

As a result, each machine needs to have its backup completed independently. Otherwise, each computer should have a backup system.


7. Illegal Content

Peer-to-peer networks are typically utilized in conjunction with torrents to transfer copyrighted media, such as music and movies. 

 

This puts you at risk of an internet restriction, a warning from content creators, or even an arrest. For this reason, certain businesses and service providers do not favor P2P networks as much.