Windows Peer-to-Peer Network Model

Let's begin with the peer-to-peer model. When you set up a Windows peer-to-peer network (also referred to as a workgroup network), it is important to understand that all computers on the network are equal. All of the peer-to-peer computers, also referred to as nodes, simultaneously act as both clients and servers.

This can be an advantage for small networks that have 10 or fewer users. It allows a small network to share resources without the need of a costly server. In addition, it enables a small company to have a network setup without hiring an internal IT department.

Peer-to-peer networks are no more than Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 machines connected by a centralized connection like a router or hub.

One of the biggest debates among IT professionals is when to use a peer-to-peer network. These types of networks have their place in the networking world. Most of you at home use this type of network. All computers connect using a small Internet router.

Well, it's the same for companies. You would use this network in a small environment with 10 or fewer users. This allows small organizations to share resources without the need of expensive equipment or server software.

But just like everything that is good, there is a downside to peer-to-peer networks. The biggest downside is manageability. Many new IT people like working on a small peer-to-peer network because of its size, but in fact a network with 10 users and 10 computers can be difficult to manage.

Because there is no server to centralize user accounts, each Microsoft Windows XP or Vista computer must have a user account and a password. So if you have 10 users with 10 computers and all 10 users must be able to access all 10 computers, you end up creating 100 accounts.

Another disadvantage to peer-to-peer networks is backups. Most IT departments do not back up individual user machines, and because there is no centralized server for data storage, data recoverability can be an issue.

So now that you have seen the advantages and disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network, let's discuss the pros and cons of a domain-based network.