Pros & Cons of Peer-to-Peer Model
Computer Science: OCR GCSE, topic 1.3.8
Cons of the Peer-to-Peer Model
Some networking problems are well suited to peer-to-peer networks, whereas others are more suited to client-server solutions. In any case study, you should weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.
No central maintenence
- Without a central server there is no central management.
- This means that we cannot update the software and security of the peers as easily.
File duplication
- Files have to be duplicated and transferred between machines.
- This can lead to multiple versions that can become out of date.
Peers may lose connection
- Peers may lose connection when we are trying to access them.
Pros of the Peer-to-Peer Model
Some networking problems are well suited to peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, whereas others are more suited to client-server solutions. In any case study, you should weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.
Easy setup
- A P2P network is very easy to set up.
Cheap
- A P2P network is cheaper than a client-server network.
- No expensive or dedicated hardware is needed.
Robust
- A P2P network has no centralised server.
- If one peer fails, the others can still use the network.
Test yourself on Pros & Cons of Peer-to-Peer Model
Which of the following are true of a peer-to-peer network?
What is the main issue with having to duplicate files in a peer-to-peer network?
What do we have no guarantee of in a peer-to-peer network?
Which type of network is easier to set up?
What happens if one peer in a network fails?