Strengths and weaknesses of client-server and peer-to-peer network models in construction projects

Abstract

While client-server and peer-to-peer network models have both been explored as a means of transferring data, the literature is yet to thoroughly document their respective strengths and weaknesses, particularly in project settings. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a semi-hypothetical experiment to examine the strengths and weaknesses of both models, further laying the groundwork for project managers to strategize which model to use for different project scenarios. Both network models are used to facilitate the inspection data communication of a construction project. A questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews are then conducted with participants to solicit their evaluations of each network’s strengths and weaknesses. We find that the client-server network outperforms the peer-to-peer network in some endogenous features such as response time, cost, and scalability, but the latter is superior in terms of security, traceability, and privacy. When it comes to exogenous factors, the client-server network is superior in ease of understanding, policy and industry support, skillset readiness, and economy of scale. However, the peer-to-peer network better fosters a collaborative culture. This research provides decision-making information for project managers involved in the selection of data communication networks.