Peer-to-Peer Network

A business owner will know if he or she has a peer-to-peer network if the company’s resources (files, folders, printer, etc.) are shared among two or more computers. This architecture is beneficial for businesses that have only a handful of computers. Each computer acts as a client and a server.

Here is an example:

The company’s printer is attached to Joe’s computer.

Joe must then share the printer so that the rest of the employees can access it and print to it, via the network.

Joe also has documents on his hard drive that other employees need to access throughout the day. Joe must set his computer to allow file sharing so that the employees can gain access to Joe’s hard drive where the folders reside, via the network.

Basically, everyone has access to Joe’s computer and any other computer on the network that is sharing resources.

The attractiveness of the peer-to-peer model is that its costs are kept to a minimum, but then again, very expensive to upgrade. Networks made up of only a handful of computers are the only beneficiaries of this model. When more computers and other resources are added to the network, the workload of the computers increases and productivity decreases. Accidental reboots, downtime, and almost non-existent security measures are just some of the problems with peer-to-peer.

Client/Server Network

A client/server network is comprised of one or more servers dedicated and designed to centralize data and control resources on the servers, rather than on the employee’s computers. The functions of the client/server architecture are far more robust than those of a peer-to-peer network. Restricted employee access to data, greater control over internal and external threats, scalability (adding more resources to network), uptime, and productivity are just some of the benefits of a client/server network.

When your business starts to grow from five computers on up, investing in the client/server model is the way to go. Businesses that have already implemented the client/server architecture are already looking at the big picture and plan on expanding without the troubles that the peer-to-peer network will cause. They realize that implementing this model for their company is more of an investment, rather than an expense. When you start to calculate the true cost of your network’s downtime, you will see that the move to client/server is inevitable. I can go on and on regarding the benefits of the client/server model but there is just too much to list for this article.

Is it time for your business to invest in a server?

Here is my simple answer:

If your business is currently operating with 1 – 5 computers and you don’t have any plans on expanding your network, staying with the peer-to-peer model would be the right choice for you. I am a firm believer in “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”  If your business is currently operating with five or more computers and you plan on expanding, you have to go with the client/server network. Trying to build on a peer-to-peer network would be disastrous for your company. Downtime, slowness, lack of organization, lack of security, and the limited networking options associated with peer-to-peer are just some of the reasons why you would need to make the technology investment to the client/server architecture.

Sean McGinnis is a computer consultant with over fifteen years of experience in the Information Technology field. Sean is more popularly known as the Long Island PC Doctor and co-owner of FreedomNet Technology Solutions. Residential customers can reach Sean at (631) 921-0900, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or go to www.LongIslandPCDoctor.com.

For Business support call (516) 465-9847 or go to www.FreedomNet.biz.