Peer to Peer Connection
1. Two desktops with Ethernet ports.
2. A crossover Ethernet cable (or a standard Ethernet cable if both desktops support Auto-MDIX).
3. Configured network settings.
Steps to Connect:
1. Connect the Desktops
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the first desktop and the other end into the second desktop.
2. Configure Network Settings
For Windows:
1. Open Network Settings:
o Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
o Right-click on the Ethernet connection and select Properties.
2. Set IP Addresses:
o Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
o Configure the settings as follows:
Desktop 1:
IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Desktop 2:
IP Address: 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
3. Save and Exit:
o Click OK to save the settings.
3. Test the Connection
Open the Command Prompt on each desktop.
Type ping 192.168.1.2 (from Desktop 1) or ping 192.168.1.1 (from Desktop 2) to test connectivity.
If successful, you'll see a reply from the other desktop.
4. Share Files (Optional)
1. Enable File Sharing:
o Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
o Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing.
2. Share a Folder:
o Right-click on a folder > Properties > Sharing tab > Share.
3. Access Shared Files:
o Open File Explorer, type the other desktop's IP address (e.g., \\192.168.1.2) in the address bar, and press
Enter.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) connections are widely used in various contexts for their simplicity and efficiency. Here are the key uses of peer-
to-peer connections:
1. File Sharing
P2P networks are often used for sharing files directly between devices without needing a server.
Example: Sharing documents, media files, or software between two computers.
2. Gaming
Many multiplayer games use P2P connections to allow players to host and join game sessions without requiring a central
server.
This reduces latency and server dependency.
3. Collaboration
In small teams or workgroups, P2P connections can enable collaborative tasks such as sharing documents, printers, or
software resources without the need for complex setups.
4. Resource Sharing
Devices in a P2P network can share resources like:
o Printers: Directly connecting to a shared printer.
o Scanners: Sharing scanning devices in a small office environment.
5. Local Networking
P2P connections are useful in environments where a simple, direct connection is required, such as:
o Connecting two desktops for quick file transfer.
o Setting up temporary networks for events or troubleshooting.
6. Backup and Data Sync
P2P connections can be used to back up data or synchronize files between two computers without relying on cloud services.
7. Internet Sharing
A computer with internet access can share its connection with another computer using a P2P setup.
8. Decentralized Applications
P2P connections are the backbone of decentralized applications and networks, such as:
o Blockchain: For cryptocurrency transactions and distributed ledgers.
o Torrenting: Distributing large files efficiently.
9. Education and Training
Used in classroom setups for quick data exchange between teacher and student devices or between students working on group
projects.
10. Low-Cost Networking
In small businesses or home setups, P2P connections eliminate the need for expensive networking equipment like servers or
switches.
Advantages of Peer-to-Peer Connections:
1. Simplicity: Easy to set up and manage.
2. Cost-Effective: No need for dedicated hardware or software.
3. Scalability: Works well for small-scale networks.
4. Decentralization: No single point of failure.
