6. Peer-Peer network characteristics

The peer to peer configuration is popular because it is simple to set up.

You purchase a modem / router for an internet connection. Configure it as a DHCP host from its set-up menu - it may default to this in any case. Then connect it to a switch or hub with some network cable.

Attach other computers either directly with a network cable to the hub or use a wireless connection.

It is also quite cheap compared to a client-server set up. No server costs and no high technical expertise to maintain it.

Each computer is set up to share folders and peripherals such as printer, scanner, external hard drive.

Disadvantages

The main issue is that every machine is effectively independent.

• Each one needs the correct applications loaded.
• Your data is held on a specific machine which must be powered up. Although setting up a 'share' will allow you to see this on the other machines as well.
• Each one needs its own anti-virus scanner
• Each one needs its own backup schedule - either by backing up to a networked external hard drive or to its own external storage device