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P2P Networking and P2P Software
Peer-to-peer networking avoids centralized servers
by Bradley Mitchell
Updated on January 14, 2020
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Tim Robberts/Taxi/Getty Images
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Although they have actually existed for many years, peer-to-peer computing technologies promise to radically change the future of networking.


Peer-To-Peer Networks
A P2P network connects roughly equivalent machines on a roughly equal basis, without the mediation of a different machine. P2P differs from client/server networks wherein many computers—often limited in some way—connect to a single larger server that directs the communication within the network.


This definition captures the traditional meaning of peer-to-peer networking. Computers in a peer-to-peer network are typically situated physically near to each other and run similar networking protocols and software. Before home networking became popular, only small businesses and schools built peer-to-peer networks.

Home Peer-To-Peer Networks
Most home computer networks today are peer-to-peer networks. Residential users configure their computers in peer workgroups to allow sharing of files, printers, and other resources equally among all of the devices. Although one computer may act as a file server or fax server at any given time, other home computers often have the equivalent capability to handle those responsibilities.

Both wired and wireless home networks qualify as peer-to-peer environments. A router simply joins the home network to the Internet; it does not by itself change how resources within the network are shared.


P2P File Sharing Networks
When most people hear the term P2P, they think not of peer networks, but rather a peer-to-peer file sharing over the internet. P2P file-sharing systems became the single most popular class of internet applications in the first decade of this century.

A P2P network implements search and data transfer protocols above the Internet Protocol. To access a P2P network, download and install a suitable P2P client application.

Some P2P applications work only with one P2P network, while others operate cross-network. Likewise, some P2P networks support only one application, while others support multiple applications.