5. Peer-to-Peer Network: advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No need for a network operating system | Because each computer might be being accessed by others it can slow down the performance for the user |
| Does not need an expensive server because individual workstations are used to access the files | Files and folders cannot be centrally backed up |
| No need for specialist staff such as network technicians because each user sets their own permissions as to which files they are willing to share. | Files and resources are not centrally organised into a specific 'shared area'. They are stored on individual computers and might be difficult to locate if the computer's owner doesn't have a logical filing system. |
| 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 |
| If one computer fails it will not disrupt any other part of the network. It just means that those files aren't available to other users at that time. | There is little or no security besides the permissions. Users often don't need to log onto their workstations. |
Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: peer to peer network
