Networks > Getting A Network

Peer to Peer Networks

By TechSoup

You've decided you need a network but is a peer to peer network right for your organisation?

This article in collaboration with TechSoup covers the basics of peer to peer networks and issues to think about before going down this route.

 

If you only need to share a printer or an Internet connection, a client-server network (see article Client-Server Networks) may be overkill. Sometimes, a simpler peer-to-peer network may be all you need to fulfil your needs.

The diagram below shows a simple peer-to-peer network:

As you can see from the diagram, in a peer-to-peer network there are no dedicated servers (central computers that control the network) or hierarchy among the computers. All of the computers on the network handle security and administration for themselves. The users must make the decisions about who gets access to what. Beyond that there are more similarities than differences. All of the computers must have network cards. You also use the same cables, the same hubs, and the same protocols as you would with a client-server model. The only difference is that there isn't a server. Since there isn't a server, there are some things to think about before you go down the peer-to-peer path…

Before Taking the Peer-to-Plunge

Peer-to-peer networks work remarkably well in certain circumstances; however there are a few things to consider before setting one up.

Size

Peer-to-peer networks are designed for connecting small numbers of computers. They tend to run into problems at around 5-10 computers or more.

Security

Security on a peer-to-peer network is not very powerful. So if you have security concerns go for something you can control (read server!) Since on a peer to peer network the users give access to folders, they can choose not to require passwords. This lack of consistancy has a tremendous impact on the security of your network and you will need adequate training for your users to prevent problems.

Growth

If your organisation is growing rapidly, it will usually out grow a peer-to-peer network very quickly. While a peer-to-peer network may work fine for up to around ten computers, it almost certainly won't for twenty.

Centralise your peer to peer network as much as possible

A peer-to-peer network can simply connect up the computers you already have, or better still be organised centrally as shown in the diagram below:

 

The printer and Internet connection are both connected to peer 1, and all the files are stored on its hard drive. Peer 1 was chosen because it is the fastest, with the largest hard disk. Now the first person to arrive turns on Peer 1 and the last person to leave turns it off, and everyone can be sure they can print and access the Internet. All the files are stored using the same structure of folders, so they can be backed up easily from one location.

However you organise a peer-to-peer network, consider the following issues:

Training

In a peer-to-peer network, the users handle administration. This means that all the users need to be trained in how to share files, folders, and printers. In a peer-to-peer network, suddenly shutting down your computer can cause one of your colleagues to be unable to print or worse still corrupt your shared database if you have one…

Hosting Resources

The last concern is that each computer that attaches to another computer, whether for printing or for file sharing, takes up system resources on the hosting computer. If the drain becomes dramatic enough to slow down the host computer (which someone else is working on!) then perhaps it is time to start thinking about a dedicated server.

What Are Your Options?

If you've assessed your situation, and you've determined that a peer-to-peer network is appropriate, the set up can be relatively simple if you are using one of the common operating systems available today.

Windows

All versions of Windows since Windows 95 include the capacity for peer to peer networking.

For detailed information…

• Creating a Peer-to-Peer Network with Windows 98 Microsoft instructions on setting up a peer-to-peer network using Windows 98
• Configuring Windows 2000 Professional to work in A Peer to Peer Workgroup -  Microsoft instructions on setting up a peer to peer network using Windows 2000 Professional
• For Windows XP see Home and Small Office Networking, and Set up and Use Internet Connection Sharing.  Microsoft instructions for setting up a small network and sharing an Internet connection using Windows XP Professional
• Windows Vista: Networking  - Instructions refer to home users but will be similar for setting up any peer to peer network using Windows Vista.

Note that home editions of Windows software are intended for home use and organisation / business users may need to upgrade to professional version for additional business functionality (for example enhanced security, remote access to your network). Registered charities can take advantage of discounted software from charity software suppliers.

For other versions of Windows search Microsoft's site.N.B. support for some of the above Microsoft products has discontinued or will be in the near future. For more information see Microsoft's information on Product Lifecycle Dates - Windows Product Family.

If your network consists of machines running different versions of Windows see Microsoft’s article Networking home computers running different versions of Windows.

Apple Mac

Macs have included peer-to-peer network capability in their operating system for many years. You even have the option to set up the network with phone lines and very simple connectors.

Cross-Platform

It is possible to connect your Macs to your PC network - and vice-versa. For more information see the knowledgebase article Working Together - Your Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows and  MacWindows.com - the ultimate source for Macintosh-Windows compatibility and networking information.

Others

Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Linux also include ways to set these up, but due to their built-in complexity, these are usually referred to as Server-to-Server networks.  These are likely to prove too complex to set up for most voluntary organisations.

Peer-to-Conclusion

A peer-to-peer network is sometimes the perfect (and cheap) solution for connecting the computers at a small voluntary organisation. However, peer-to-peer networking has its limitations, and your organisation should tread with caution to avoid headaches (security issues, hardware inadequacies, backup problems, etc.) down the road.