All About Peer-To-Peer (P2P) Networks
A second model of P2P clients works in the same way but without a central indexing server. In this scenario the P2P software simply seeks out other Internet users using the same program and informs them of your presence online, building a large network of computers as more users install and use the software.
P2P Security Concerns
One major concern of using P2P architecture in the workplace is, of course, network security. Security concerns stem from the architecture itself. Today we find most blocking and routing handles by a specific server within network, but the P2P architecture has no single fixed server responsible for routing and requests. The first step in securing your P2P network is to adopt a strict usage policy within the workplace. In securing your network against attacks and viruses there are two main strategies where focus is on controlling the network access or the focus is put on controlling the files. A protocol-based approach is where system administrators use a software or hardware solution to watch for and block intrusive network traffic being received through the P2P clients. A second method of protection is a software solution which would provide file surveillance to actively search for files based on their type, their name, their signature or even their content.
P2P at Work
P2P is not only popular with home users but many small business have come to rely on this cost-effective solution for sharing files with co-workers and clients. P2P promotes the ease of working together when you're not physically located in the same office. In just seconds updated files and data can be shared with peers and confidential files can be blocked for security. Additionally, companies can also block access to Internet music and video files to assist in maintaining a work-oriented P2P network. Not only does this keep the company free and clear from legal issues regarding music downloading and sharing but it also keeps the corporate bandwidth usage down.
