2.0 Network components, types, and connections

Servers

hosts that have software installed which enable them to provide information to other hosts on the network eg emails or web pages

Clients

computer hosts that have software installed that enables the host to request and display information obtained from the server eg chrome or safari

how is web browser software used?

client requests Web page from this server, web server will respond with a webpage

or

clients can send and receive email messages from the email server

hosts

all computers connected to a network that participate directly in network communication

peer to peer network (P2P)

in small businesses and homes it is possible for one computer to run both client and server software at the same time, many computers function as the servers and clients on the network.

simple P2P

to directly connected computers using either wired or wireless connections.

Both computers are able to use the simple network to exchange data and services with each other, acting as either a client or server as necessary.

larger P2P network

multiple PCs are connected creating a larger network, but this requires a network device such as a switch to interconnect the computers.

disadvantage of P2P

The performance of a host can be slowed down if it is acting as both client and server at the same time.

No centralised Administration

Not As secure

Not scalable

advantages of P2P

easy to set up

Less complex

Lower cost because network device devices and dedicated servers may not be required

can be used for simple tasks such as transferring files and sharing printers