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Client/Server Networks: Peer-To-Peer Networks

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43 views2 pages

Client/Server Networks: Peer-To-Peer Networks

c

Uploaded by

Anthony Luna
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Client/Server Networks

Computer networks are basically of two types client/server networks and peer-to-peer
networks.
A client/server network is a network architecture where any one of the computer or
processes on the network can act as either a server or a client. Although the term
client/server computing can be used to describe can be used to describe a network, it is
really more than just that. The term can also be applied to describe software architecture.
The client/server software architecture was originally developed to allow users, through the
use of client programs, share access to and interact with database applications, which acted
as servers. Today server programs do more than just act as databases but also do some
processing of data before it was passed on the client application. The amount of processing
that is done various amongst server applications.

The clients connect to the server applications which could reside on the
same computer or another computer via a network using a well defined
set of standard application program interfaces.
Some of the popular client/server applications can be found on the
Internet and they include email programs, FTP programs and web
browsers. Email client such as Microsoft Outlook and Pegasus allow
users to download email messages from email servers such as Eudora
Internet Mail Server and Microsoft Exchange Server. Internet browsers
such as Microsofts Internet Explorer, Netscape and Opera operate on
the same principles by connecting to the dedicated web servers and
download web pages for viewing.
In term of computer networks, a server manages the resources used, as
well as their accessibility by other computers on the network. The server
should run on an operating system that allows other computers (clients)
connect to it. Ideally this should be a network operating system (NOS)
such as Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server, Linux, Novell
Netware and OS/2.
Servers can also run operating systems such as Windows 95 and 98 and
can be connected to by computers running the same operating system or
even Window NT Server (however this is not recommended). Desktop
PCs, minicomputers and some of the newer mainframes can act as
servers in the client/server network.
The clients are usually of two types fat and thin clients. Fat clients
(usually PCs) tend to perform the bulk of processing of the data that is
stored on the server, while with thin clients the bulk of the processing of
the data is done by the server. Thin client-server technology (TCST) has
received a lot of attention in healthcare, mainly due to the structure

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similarity with that of the mainframe architecture.


When compared to the peer-to-peer network, the advantages of the
client/server networking are:

The servers are designed to handle multiple requests from


clients.
Resources, security and files are centrally controlled which
makes it easier to administer.
The network is more scalable as it allows for more users to be
added as the network grows, unlike the peer-to-peer
networks, which are usually restricted to a certain number of
computers.
It is easier to implement new technologies with the
client/server network.
It is possible to access multiple resources using a single client.

Its disadvantages include:

If the server goes down, it takes part or the whole network


with it.
It is more expensive to install.
Needs to be maintained by staff with high IT skills.

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