Is there a limit to the number of computers that can access any one computer at the same time on a peer-to-peer network. I am in charge of a small network of 20 computers. One computer holds all the files in the office and we are having increasing difficulty with some terminals not being able to access this one file terminal for minutes at a time.
This conversation is currently closed to new comments.
With a peer to peer network, there's not a limit to the number of nodes (computers) that can be configured. (At least, not that I've seen or encountered.) There is, however, a fundamental limit to the number of queries that may be processed by a fully distributed network in terms of bandwidth requirements of the slowest nodes.
This is what you are experiencing.
If a query requires Q bytes and the slowest links have bandwidth B bytes/sec, that node can only process B/Q queries per second.If a node in a tree topology cannot process the query, it effectively truncates that branch from the tree and results in network fragmentation.
This is a fundamental limitation in peer-to-peer networking. If every machine is responsible to handle every query, the network paradigm is doomed to suffer this limitation irrespective of the available bandwidth.
Look at this very nicely illustrated article on peer-to-peer network design considerations. I think it may answer all your questions.
If the machhine that "all the files in the office" is XPPro, or Win2KPro, or NT4Workstation, then yes, there is a limit of 10 concurrent connections. Only 10 machines can be connected to a Windows desktop OS machine. NT4Server, Win2KServer and .NETmachines do not have this limitation.
You didn't say the OS on the central file server. If possible, check local connections on it (users), and disconnect all. Sometimes the OS thinks there are more users connected than is actually the case due to startup/shutdown probs. and hangups. It may help to map network drives to the file server on each system. You might also try installing a second NIC on that machine. Using TCP/IP only? Get rid of unnecessary network protocols like NetBeui. Using any switches, or just hubs? Consider upgrading to newer switches. Upgrade NICs to 10/100 if any are still using 10mbps cards, especially if they are ISA cards. Remove any unnecessary services running on your machines that use network bandwidth. Do your users have internet access?Tell them to use for business use only!!
You are really not at the point to consider a domain unless you need to secure access to your network and files, you want to have email associated with your company name, or make it easier for users to retrieve/send local email from an exchange server. Doing so would require someone to install and configure, and to be avail. for troubleshooting in a timely fashion.
If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended.
maximum network connections on P to P