Client-Server & Peer-to-Peer Networks Networking Computers Client-Server & Peer-to-Peer Networks

Learning Objectives: By the end of this topic you should be able to: describe client-server and peer-to-peer networks give advantages and disadvantages of each type;

What is a network?

What is a network? a group of computers connected together in order to share resources

What is a network? a group of computers connected together in order to share resources a computer not connected to any other is a s****d-a***e computer

What is a network? a group of computers connected together in order to share resources a computer not connected to any other is a stand-alone computer

Client-Server Network

Client-Server Network usually has a powerful, controlling server computer controls the printers, storage, security … client computers are connected to the server via a switch or other network communication device can be a number of servers: file server, application server, mail server, proxy server, print server, back-up server

Advantages of a Client-Server Network users can log on at any client computer data files, printers, software available anywhere network operations can be handled centrally at the server: backup, software roll-out, software updates, anti-virus no need for user to be involved security handled centrally in a structured manner data secure audit logs kept

Disdvantages of a Client-Server Network cost server computers are powerful & expensive network hardware required (hubs, switches, routers …..) technician support essential for maintenance reliance on server & network infrastructure if server fails then centrally held data available speed of operation more users = slower access to resources

Peer-to-Peer Network

Peer-to-Peer Network all computers have equal status no computer has a server role each computer may have resources that others need linking home (or small business) computers together to share files or a printer online P2P networks exist Limewire/Bitorrent allow file sharing

Advantages of a Peer-to-Peer Network no reliance on central server if computer fails others are not badly affected simple to set up useful for temporary, ad-hoc networking little technical support required - lower cost network traffic is minimal most resources provided by each computer

Disadvantages of a Peer-to-Peer Network no centralised management of resources each user is responsible for their own backup anti-virus updates performed by each user required software & data not available on every computer user has to use the same computer every time security is ad-hoc sensitive files may be accessible to all users required printer not available

Client-Server v Peer-to-Peer