A peer-to-peer network is a network of computers. In the early part of the 1970s, it came into existence. Here, each computer acts as a network node for file sharing Understanding what is P2P network indicates that each node functions as a server, and there isn’t a single central server in the network. The task is spread equally among the nodes. Each node in the network is linked and has an equal share of work to do. All the nodes must separately stop functioning for the networking to cease to function. In a private P2P network, every node functions independently.
The types of P2P networks
- Structured P2P network: It is designed using software, where a virtual layer is developed to put the nodes in a specific structure. They are not easy to set up, but they provide easy access to the content.
- Unstructured P2P network: In this type of private P2P network, every device is able to make equal contributions. The network is easy to build as devices are randomly connected to it. Since it is unstructured, it is difficult to find content. Examples are Kademlia, P-Grid, etc.
- Hybrid networks: They come with the features of a private P2P network along with client-server architecture. An example of such a network is to locate a node using the client-server model.
The features of the P2P network
- The network only has a small number of nodes, typically less than 12. All the computers in the network store their own data, though the data is accessible by the group.
- In comparison to client-server networks, P2P networks both use and provide resources. If the number of nodes increases, it would lead to an increase in the number of additional resources as it requires specialized software. In the network, it allows resource sharing.
- As the nodes act as servers and clients, there is a recurring threat of an attack.
- Almost all operating systems support private P2P networks.
Using P2P in an efficient manner
Firstly, you need to secure your network via privacy solutions. Some of the measures that are adopted to keep the private P2P network secure are as follows:
Sharing and downloading legal files
Double-check the files that are being downloaded before you share them with the other employees. It is important to ensure that only legitimate files are downloaded.
A comprehensive strategy for sharing
A strategy is to be designed that ensembles the original architecture to manage applications and underlying data.
Updated security practices
The security practices are to be kept up-to-date; there is a need to keep a check on cyber security threats that may prevail in a network. You must spend money on high-quality software that can withstand attacks and guard against network exploitation. You need to update the software regularly.
Scan all the downloads
There is a constant need to check all the files for viruses before you download them. This ensures that only safe files are downloaded, and, in any case, if a file with a potential threat is detected, you need to report it to the IT staff.
Avoid security breaches on the network
It is critical that you own the software after using the P2P network and properly shutting it down. The reason being that it is better to avoid unnecessary access to the files by third parties. On the network, it turns out to be a major security breach.
To conclude, the advantages of a private P2P network are manifold. An example is in the blockchain domain, which is based on the concept of decentralization. When a peer-to-peer network is enabled on the blockchain, it enables the maintenance of a complex replica of records, ensuring the accuracy of the data at the same time.