Peer-To-Peer Networks
Peer to peer networks are a non-traditional type of network connection. In traditional network set-ups a series of computers are connected to a central hub that allocates the resources and allows the computers to communicate. Communication is not direct; it must go through the central processing point. Peer to peer networks eliminate the need … Keep Reading → for the central hub and communicate and share resources directly. To use the jargon of traditional networking setups; in peer to peer networks every individual computer acts both as a client and a server at different times. One of the most famous (or infamous) examples of a peer to peer network is Napster, which allowed users to share music files; much to the chagrin of the record industry that lost millions of dollars in sales. Simple peer to peer networks are often set-up in homes to allow sharing of resources between computers.
