Communication and Networking - Types of Networking Between Hosts

What is a server?

A provider of services

What is a client?

A requester of services

What is a client-server network?

A network where some nodes act as dedicated servers, solely providing services, while the rest act as clients, requesting services from those servers

What are the advantages of a client-server network?

-Server files are more consistent as there is only one copy of each file on the server

-Backups of server files are centralised therefore increasing reliability and removing the need for individual users to do so

-Many network features can be controlled centrally using a server such as security, administration, software licenses, login system, installations etc.

-Upgrading the network is as simple as upgrading the server

-It is easier to add more workstations to the network than a Peer-to-Peer network as you would only need to connect the workstation to the server(s) instead of every peer

What is a peer-to-peer network?

A network where each node has equal status (they can act as both a server or a client) and there is no dependence on dedicated servers

What are the advantages of a peer-to-peer network?

-Nodes are not reliant on the server therefore network failure does not lead to workstation failure

-No server needed therefore reducing costs

-No specialists needed to maintain a server therefore reducing costs

-It is easier to set up than a Client-Server network

-Special network operating system software is not needed

What size of network is a peer-to-peer network suitable for and why?

A network with a small number of nodes (generally 10 or less) otherwise network management can become too difficult