Definition – In the peer to peer network, all “Peers” means all computers which are linked with each other through internet. P2P network has not any central server, so each user is capable to share any types of files on any peer over this network. On other words, you can say that every peer on this P2P N/W plays role as server as well as client.
Diagram of Peer to Peer Network
In P2P network, three methods are used for connecting multiple computer systems like as basic method is to use USB (universal serial bus) to make connection between two peers, second method is to use copper wires to make connection for more computers, and finally method is to use protocols which help to control all connections between several terminals on the internet.
Read More –Client Server Architecture with their Types and Examples
Due to these points, to be used peer to peer network with securely and efficiently:
- Protect peer to peer network with using of network security solutions.
- It helps to control your precious data and several applications.
- Monitor your entire network continuously for malware.
- Develop a cyber security policy and invest in network security to protect advanced networks that users create with P2P software as they can have software-based vulnerabilities. By taking these preventative actions, you can prevent remote exploits, which are attacks that take advantage of the vulnerabilities in electronic systems to deny services or spread malware.
- Invest in high-quality P2P software which is more resilient to remote exploits to set up your network.
Read More – Advantages and Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Network
When users want to download any file from internet then they need to use of web browser for opening the appropriate website over the internet. In this scenario, website plays the role as server and computer of users work as client for receiving the all files. This model performs their tasks like as one-way road where downloaded data is moved from point 1 (website), to point 2 (user’s PC system).
In the case of peer to peer network, if users want to download same data through P2P N/W, then downloading task is controlled in different manner. Users have to need peer to peer program for installing on their PCs, which help to generate virtual network of P2P application users. Then when the user downloads a file, it is received in bits that come from various computers in the network that already have that file.
Simultaneously, file is also moved from user’s PCs to other computer systems that ask for it. This scenario works as two ways road – all file are converted into various small bits of data which come from user’s PCs but it is released after sending requests. Then file is transferred into all peer computer systems.
Read More – Advantages and Disadvantages of Client Server Architecture
Peer to peer (P2P) architecture is mostly implemented over the computer networking architecture because in this system every workstation and other nodes have equally abilities and responsibilities as well, and in this architecture, few computer systems are dedicated to server anthers. P2P architecture is mostly suitable for small region area like as house and small office region because in this network every computer plays the role as independent workstation and it can save all data in own hard disk.
Peer to peer architecture is designed with using of single software program where every piece of program performs their all tasks as both client and server along with similar responsibilities and capabilities.
Applications of Peer to Peer Architecture
There are various areas where to use P2P network, such as –
- File sharing
- Instant messaging
- Voice Communication
- Collaboration
- High Performance Computing
- Streaming media
- Peer casting for multicasting streams where to use on demand content delivery.
- Science
- Search and communication network
Read More – What is Client Server Network? With Examples
In this section, we will discuss about different types of Peer to Peer (P2P) network, below explain each one:
Pure Peer to Peer Network
Pure peer-to-peer Network is known as “Fully peer-to-peer Network“. In this network, all peers play the role equally because this P2P network does not contain any centralized dedicated server.
Example – “Gnutella Protocol” that protocol is capable to find and locate all files over that network.
Unstructured P2P Networks
In this network, to connect every devices of network with each other is easy task. All devices have to make same contribution, but due to lack of structure, users can face some difficulties for searching rare content. Its churn rate has higher, churn rare means how many users are joining and releasing of the network.
Structured P2P Networks
Structured peer to peer network is not easy to set up compare to unstructured network, but it allows users excellent access for finding the rare content over the network. Structured P2P networks have less churn rate to unstructured network.
Hybrid Peer to Peer Network
Hybrid peer-to-peer Network plays the role like as client-server network because it contains one centralized peer that perform all activities as server such as to keep all information on the peers and send the responds to requests for that information. Centralized peer aware that which types of resources are share able and which are free. They take all responsibility for getting to host management of all available resources.
Read More –Client Server Architecture with their Types and Examples
Napster – Nepster was introduced by American college student Shawn Fanning, in 1999. It used for file sharing service over the internet, and music could be store on your PCs. But it was shut down in 2001.
Bit Torrent – Bit Torrent is an communication protocol that is used for peer to peer file sharing, and it helps to distribute data and all fires on the internet into decentralized fashion. Main objective of using of this protocol is to transfer enlarge files like as video files enabling with TV shows and other video clips, all digital audio file such as songs.
Skype – Skype is an P2P VoIP client that is designed by organization that created Kazaa. With the help of it, all users can make voice call and sent text messages to another user but they must be persisted on the Skype client.
Bitcoin – Bitcoin also uses the peer-to-peer payment network, and in which cryptographic protocol is used for operating that helps to users for sending and receiving bitcoins.
Gnutella – Gnutella is a peer to peer network that is used for file sharing over the network, it lets users to send and obtain all data on the internet.
Kazaa – Kazaa was peer to peer file sharing application that was enabled with FastTrack protocol licensed by Joltid LTD, and it was operated by Sharman Networks. Its main goal was to transfer MP3 music files as well as other types of files like as video and text over the internet.
Limewire – Limewire had used for peer to peer file sharing in free of cost for different types of operating systems like as Windows, OS X, Linux and Solaris. LimeWire implemented gnutella network along with BitTorrent protocol.
BearShare – BearShare was introduced by Free Peers, Inc for Microsoft Windows, and then it revised edition of iMesh by MusicLAb. BearShare was an application that is also used for peer to peer file sharing.
Morpheus – Morpheus also used for file sharing and finding peer to peer client to Microsoft Windows, and it was designed and distributed by StreamCast organzation.
FAQs
What is P2P architecture explain with an example? ›
Peer-to-peer architecture (P2P architecture) is a commonly used computer networking architecture in which each workstation, or node, has the same capabilities and responsibilities. It is often compared and contrasted to the classic client/server architecture, in which some computers are dedicated to serving others.
What are the types of P2P? ›- Unstructured P2P networks: In this type of P2P network, each device is able to make an equal contribution. ...
- Structured P2P networks: It is designed using software that creates a virtual layer in order to put the nodes in a specific structure.
Architecture. A peer-to-peer network is designed around the notion of equal peer nodes simultaneously functioning as both "clients" and "servers" to the other nodes on the network. This model of network arrangement differs from the client–server model where communication is usually to and from a central server.
Which is the example of P2P model? ›Some examples of P2P architectures include BitTorrent (file sharing), Tor (anonymous internet browsing), and Bitcoin (a decentralized transaction ledger). Peers only have access to the data that they share with each other.
Is Facebook a peer-to-peer network? ›Facebook is the most ubiquitous peer-to-peer platform in use in the U.S. today.
What are the types of client server architecture? ›- 1-Tier Architecture.
- 2-Tier Architecture.
- 3-Tier Architecture.
- N-Tier Architecture.
Characteristics of the Peer-to-Peer network
In a peer-to-peer network, fewer nodes is connected. All computers store their own data using individual security and also data is shared among all computers. \ The entire computer shares resources like drive and printer etc.
- scalability.
- one way data flow.
- decentralized resources.
- centralized user accounts.
- resource sharing without a dedicated server.
Two of the most widely used types of network architecture are peer-to-peer and client/server. Client/server architecture is also called 'tiered' because it uses multiple levels. This lesson will discuss each of these two types in more detail.
What is P2P used for? ›P2P, in full peer-to-peer, type of computer network often used for the distribution of digital media files. In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, each computer acts as both a server and a client—supplying and receiving files—with bandwidth and processing distributed among all members of the network.
How many types of network architectures are used? ›
The two types of widely used network architectures are peer-to-peer aka P2P and client/server aka tiered.
What is difference between peer-to-peer and client-server? ›The primary difference between these two terms is that, in a peer-to-peer network, every node can ask for assistance and deliver services. While in a client-server network, the client nodes demand services and the server node answers with assistance.
Is WhatsApp a peer-to-peer application? ›WhatsApp or most of the other messaging apps rarely work on a peer-to-peer basis. So it wouldn't open a connection (from your device) to each of your friends' devices. Instead, your device connects to their server. It could then use a custom TCP protocol or maybe HTTP to communicate your messages to the server.
Is Zoom peer-to-peer? ›Zoom is a meeting application with video, chat and screen-sharing capability for up to 100 people to "get together" virtually. It is a powerful cloud-based, peer-to-peer software platform and can be used for teleconferencing, telecommuting, distance education and social relations.
Is Ring topology peer-to-peer? ›Peer to peer is the relationship where the devices share the link equally. The examples are ring and mesh topologies.
Is Bluetooth peer-to-peer network? ›The most common way to implement P2P exchanges of data between Android devices is to use Bluetooth, which is available on all Android devices shipping today.
Who uses peer-to-peer networks? ›Because users can control access to files and resources on their computers, network administration isn't controlled by one person. As such, peer-to-peer networks are generally used in small deployments and in situations where security isn't a major concern, as in the case of home networks or small businesses.
Is Twitter a P2P? ›Online social networks, such as Facebook and twitter, are a growing phenomenon in today's world, with various platforms providing capabilities for individuals to collaborate through messaging and chatting as well as sharing of content such as videos and photos.
What is example of client-server architecture? ›Examples of computer applications that use the client–server model are Email, network printing, and the World Wide Web.
What is a 2 tier architecture? ›Two-tier architecture. In a two-tier architecture, the client is on the first tier. The database server and web application server reside on the same server machine, which is the second tier. This second tier serves the data and executes the business logic for the web application.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of peer-to-peer network? ›
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Much easier to set up than a client-server network - does not need specialist knowledge | Ensuring that viruses are not introduced to the network is the responsibility of each individual user |
Characteristics Of Peer To Peer Network
The resource sharing capacity of the network depends directly on the number of participants. More participants lead to a better capacity. All the peers or nodes are both resource users and providers. So, if the participants increase, the resource sharing capacity also increases.
- Easy file sharing: An advanced P2P network can share files quickly over large distances. ...
- Reduced costs: There is no need to invest in a separate computer for a server when setting up a P2P network. ...
- Adaptability: P2P network extends to include new clients easily.
Examples of computer applications that use the client–server model are Email, network printing, and the World Wide Web. ○ Protocols: The special set of rules that end points in a telecommunication connection use when they communicate. Examples: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP and etc.
What is a server explain with an example? ›server, network computer, computer program, or device that processes requests from a client (see client-server architecture). On the World Wide Web, for example, a Web server is a computer that uses the HTTP protocol to send Web pages to a client's computer when the client requests them.
What is client/server network with example? ›Common examples of client-server networks include DNS (Domain Name Systems), web browsers and web servers, and FTP (file transfer protocol) clients. Most people experience client-server networking daily using computers, smartphones, and tablets connected to the Internet.
What is peer-to-peer means? ›Definition of peer-to-peer
1 : relating to, using, or being a network by which computers operated by individuals can share information and resources directly without relying on a dedicated central server (see server sense 6) In peer-to-peer computing, every client can be a server.
The primary difference between these two terms is that, in a peer-to-peer network, every node can ask for assistance and deliver services. While in a client-server network, the client nodes demand services and the server node answers with assistance.
What is a 2 tier architecture? ›Two-tier architecture. In a two-tier architecture, the client is on the first tier. The database server and web application server reside on the same server machine, which is the second tier. This second tier serves the data and executes the business logic for the web application.
What is the difference between server and client? ›Definitions. A server is a sample of software or hardware that serves a specific service to its clients. Web servers, domain name servers, and mail servers are some of the example servers using by all network users. A client is a user program that connects to a server to access a service.
Is Google a server? ›
The software that runs the Google infrastructure includes: Google Web Server (GWS) – custom Linux-based Web server that Google uses for its online services.
What is a server and types of server? ›In theory, whenever computers share resources with client machines they are considered servers. There are many types of servers, including web servers, mail servers, and virtual servers. An individual system can provide resources and use them from another system at the same time.
What is client and server architecture? ›client-server architecture, architecture of a computer network in which many clients (remote processors) request and receive service from a centralized server (host computer). Client computers provide an interface to allow a computer user to request services of the server and to display the results the server returns.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of peer-to-peer network? ›| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Much easier to set up than a client-server network - does not need specialist knowledge | Ensuring that viruses are not introduced to the network is the responsibility of each individual user |
Here are some of the characteristics of a peer-to-peer network: Individual users have responsibility over who can access data and resources on their computers. Operating systems such as Windows XP and Windows Vista allow accounts to be set up that will be used when other users connect to an individual user's computer.
Where are peer-to-peer networks used? ›P2P networks are used to share all kinds of computing resources, but its most common function is to share files. While P2P software is not itself illegal, and may be used for many legal purposes, it is commonly used for file piracy, such as with music or films.
What are three characteristics of a peer-to-peer network? ›Characteristics of the Peer-to-Peer network
In a peer-to-peer network, fewer nodes is connected. All computers store their own data using individual security and also data is shared among all computers. \ The entire computer shares resources like drive and printer etc.