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Peer to peer network or P2P network is a type of computer networking in which all the computers share equal responsibilities for data processing. It is different from client-serving networking, as this one entails certain devices having the responsibility of providing or serving data while the other devices only consume this data. The consumers are known as the “clients” while the providers are called the “servers.”

A peer to peer setup can facilitate sharing of files by all users of a network, telephony, media streaming either audio or video or both, community and discussion forums. P2P networks are categorized as either pure or hybrid.

Pure P2P Networks

In pure P2P networks, the devices are equal. No single node can be above anyone else. No one can supersede over the other. There is also no requirement of central serve so there’s no possibility of having a client-server relation. Central router is also not necessary or required.

Hybrid P2P Networks

In this type of network, there needs to be a central server. This is where all data are stored and it delivers when it is asked to do so. The route terminals are treated as addresses so each one is referred by a set of indices.

Characteristics of a Peer Network

This type of networking is common on small local area networks or LANs, usually in home networks. Whether you have a wired or wireless home network, this can be configured to engage in peer to peer networking. It’s also important to note that computers that are involved in this type of networking run under the same software and networking protocols.

Usually, these computers are positioned near to each other physically. These can be in homes, schools and small companies. But it’s also possible for some peer networks to be geographically dispersed in different parts of the world. Home networks that make use of broadband routers are hybrid peer to peer and client-server environments. The router is what provides the centralized internet connection sharing. However, file sharing, printer sharing, and other resource sharing are done directly among the computers that are involved in the peer to peer networking.

Internet-based peer to peer networks came out in the early 1990s. This was due to the emergence of P2P file sharing networks like Napster. But technically, most P2P networks, even the original Napster are not exactly pure peer to peer networks but are more like hybrid designs. Why? It’s because they use central servers for several functions like the search. Wi-Fi wireless networks support ad hoc connection.

Benefits of P2P Networking

The benefits of pure peer to peer networking that works without a server include easy interpersonal communication, rapid transmission or distribution of data and content, enhanced productivity, substantial cost benefits, ample flexibility, and many others.