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Networks 2

The document discusses two types of network architectures: peer-to-peer and client/server. A peer-to-peer network connects computers directly without a central server, making it inexpensive but less secure and organized. A client/server network uses a centralized server to manage shared resources, providing better security, backup, and administration but at a higher initial cost. Both network types have advantages and disadvantages depending on factors like network size, resource needs, and administration requirements.

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53 views2 pages

Networks 2

The document discusses two types of network architectures: peer-to-peer and client/server. A peer-to-peer network connects computers directly without a central server, making it inexpensive but less secure and organized. A client/server network uses a centralized server to manage shared resources, providing better security, backup, and administration but at a higher initial cost. Both network types have advantages and disadvantages depending on factors like network size, resource needs, and administration requirements.

Uploaded by

Long Le
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Architecture

 Is defined as the physical and logical design of the software, hardware, protocols and
media of the transmission of data.
 Simply we can say that how computers are organised and how tasks are allocated to
the computer.
 Network architecture is categorised as either.

Peer-to-Peer [P2P]
 Peer-To-Peer network is a network in which all the computers are linked together
with equal privilege and responsible for processing the data.
 Peer-To-Peer network is useful for small environment, usually up to 10 computers.
 Peer-To-Peer network has no dedicated server.
 Special permissions are assigned to each computer for sharing the resources, but this
can lead to a problem if the computer with the resource is down.
 Each computer stores files on its own storage device.
 Each computer contains both the operating system and application software.

Peer-to-Peer Advantages
 Saves money on expensive equipment (1 shared printer far cheaper than a printer on
each computer).
 Does not need an expensive server because individual workstations are used to
access the files – Less initial expense – No need for a dedicated server.
 It is easy to set up and maintain as each computer manages itself no need for
specialist staff such as network technicians – user sets their own permissions.
 If one computer fails it will not disrupt any other part of the network it just means
those files aren’t available to other users at that time.

Peer-to-Peer Disadvantages
 Because each computer might be accessed by others it can slow down the
performance for the user.
 Due to lack of a server, this type of network may lead to illegal file sharing and
difficulty.
 Files and resources are not centrally organised into a specific ‘shared area’. They are
stored on individual computers and might be difficult to locate if the computer’s
owner doesn’t have a logical file naming and filing system.
 Ensuring that viruses are not introduced to the network is the responsibility of each
individual user.
 There is little or no security besides permissions. Little power to control users who
misuse or hog resources.

Client/Server network
 A network model designed for the end users called client, to access the resources
such as files, databases, songs, video, printing etc. from a central computer known as
Server.
 A server performs all the major operations such as security and network
management.
 Clients rely on servers for resources and access to files and peripheral devices.
 A server is responsible for managing all the resources such a files, directions, printer
etc.

Client/Server network
 All clients communicate with each other through a server.
- For example, if client1 wants to send some data to client2, then it first send the
request to the server for the permissions. The server sends the response to the client
1 to initiate its communication with the client 2.
 There may be different types of servers on a network
- File server which is used to store all the users ‘ files and folders’.
- Email server which deals with the internal email system.
- A web server hosting web sites, either across the internet of within an internal
company intranet.

Client/Server Advantages
 Centralised
- Resources and data security are controlled through the server. Therefore, we can
back up the data easily. Security is better in Client/Server network as a single sever
administers the shared resources.
 Scalability
- Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase.
 Flexibility
- New technology can be easily integrated into systems.
 Interoperability
- All components ( clients/network/server) work together. Has a dedicated server that
improves the overall performance of the whole system.
 Accessibility
- Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms. It also increases the
speed of the sharing resources.

Client/Server Disadvantages
 Expensive
- Requires initial investment in dedicated server with large memory. A server has a
Network Operating System(NOS) to provide the resources to the clients, but the cost
of NOS is very high.
 Maintenance
- Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation. It requires a
dedicated network administrator to manage all the resources.
 Dependence
- When a server goes down, operations will cease across the network.

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