Computer 101: The need for a Simple Peer to Peer Network

A Peer to Peer Local Area Network is a LAN that has no true servers connected in the network. All workstations on the network can share files and resources within the network. A peer-to-peer network is commonly composed of computer with fully loaded software like the operating software and different types of application program installed in the entire computer within the peer-to-peer network. To further illustrate this network setup. Lets say your in a small office and this small office has ten computers and each has it’s own printer. If one employee needs a copy of a certain report then the employee who have that report needs to print the said report and photo copy it the number of times that it requires so that every employee that needs it will have a copy of it.

Linksys 48 Port Switch from Cisco Systems

This image was taken from Wikipedia.org

Also since all computers have each own printer, then the cost of just buying an ink for several printers is very huge. There should be at least one reserved pack of ink for each printer. But them there are ten printer to supply to, multiply it by ten them you need at least that minimum amount just to make sure very printer can be able to print daily without interruption. Also if the office needs to have a shared internet for each personnel then this would be a problem since internet connection for commercial or business use is expensive compare to internet for home usage. Another thing is the supply of paper needs to be in a constant flow since a lot of paper will be used to communicate between employee and the boss. Also all employee needs to be updated properly on a daily and weekly basis.

To solve this one would think that we need a very expensive device to link all the computers in the office? The answer is a big NO; a simple office only needs a simple network that can share resources like paper, printer, files and internet connection. It doesn’t needs a full blown big local area network to solve the problem mentioned above. First we need a first level Network SWITCH not a HUB but a Intelligent SWITCH. Then we need one or two box of Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable depending on the size of the floor area of the office. And last but not the least we need connector called RJ45 to put at both end of the UTP Cable. One end of the cable will be connected to the Network Switch while the other end is connected to the computer. Do this repeatedly until all the computer in your office is connected to the network switch.

Okay you’ll ask how I will know that I did the proper UTP cable configuration. Sorry my fault, before you begin any connects you needs to know the proper UTP configuration so that those RJ45 will not be wasted. Or if you do not have the necessary technical background to setup a small peer-to-peer LAN then, suggest it to your company to have it installed by a professional company. Okay lets say the network is up and running, then the next step is hire somebody who has the proper technical knowledge and expertise to manage your network and all it’s resources. You’ll say I though that was going to save some time and money, but is sound it already cost more to have a small LAN and a person to mange it. Yup the initial investment is big, but if you study the long term cost then you’ll see that all the initial investment is worth it.

The paper that needs to be bought would be dramatically lessen, every employee can share a report electronically and a lot faster compare to the old ways of having it given to each one by hand. Another is the entire office can share only in one or two printer compare to the ten printer the office previously needs. Also the ink that will be needed will be very much lessening compare to the old ways of ink storing. And also every employee can have an internet distributed via the network. Then the office will become more productive will less maintenance cost of consumable item and therefore save more time and money to operate.