Client-server and peer-to-peer
Client-server | Peer-to-peer |
|---|---|
One or more computers (clients) connected to a powerful central computer (server) | Individual computers connected to each other, either in a LAN or over a WAN so that they can share files and resources |
Client may hold some of its own files and resources, but can also access resources held by the server | No central server - peers on the network can act as either client or server depending on which device is making the request |
Large networks - may be several servers, with each server performing a different task | Below advantages are for small networks, e.g. a home or small office |
Better security - files stored in central location, access rights managed by server | Worse security and may be file version conflicts if peers hold different copies of the same file |
Backups done centrally - no need for individual users to back up their data | Backups done on individual devices, if at all |
Data and other resources can be shared | Enables users to share resources (printers, routers…) |
Expensive to install and manage | Cheap to set up |
Expertise required - professional IT staff needed for server maintenance and to run the network | Little-to-no expertise required and not difficult to maintain |
Server type | Role |
|---|---|
File | Holds and manages data for all clients |
Manages print requests | |
Web | Manages requests to access the Web |
Manages the email system | |
Database | Manages database applications |
P2P has been widely used for piracy, since files being illegally downloaded are very difficult to trace
2011: US Chamber of Commerce estimated piracy sites attracted 53bn visits / year
E.g. Napster
Less money for industries (e.g. music, movie, publishing, photography) to make more content
Loss of jobs
Client-server | Peer-to-peer |
|---|---|
One or more computers (clients) connected to a powerful central computer (server) | Individual computers connected to each other, either in a LAN or over a WAN so that they can share files and resources |
Client may hold some of its own files and resources, but can also access resources held by the server | No central server - peers on the network can act as either client or server depending on which device is making the request |
Large networks - may be several servers, with each server performing a different task | Below advantages are for small networks, e.g. a home or small office |
Better security - files stored in central location, access rights managed by server | Worse security and may be file version conflicts if peers hold different copies of the same file |
Backups done centrally - no need for individual users to back up their data | Backups done on individual devices, if at all |
Data and other resources can be shared | Enables users to share resources (printers, routers…) |
Expensive to install and manage | Cheap to set up |
Expertise required - professional IT staff needed for server maintenance and to run the network | Little-to-no expertise required and not difficult to maintain |
Server type | Role |
|---|---|
File | Holds and manages data for all clients |
Manages print requests | |
Web | Manages requests to access the Web |
Manages the email system | |
Database | Manages database applications |
P2P has been widely used for piracy, since files being illegally downloaded are very difficult to trace
2011: US Chamber of Commerce estimated piracy sites attracted 53bn visits / year
E.g. Napster
Less money for industries (e.g. music, movie, publishing, photography) to make more content
Loss of jobs
