Computer Networks

Network Introduction
Peer to Peer (P2P) network
Client/Server network
Hybrid network
Network Introduction
• What is a Network?
• A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order
to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow
electronic communications. The computers on a network may be
linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or
infrared light beams.
• Two very common types of networks include:
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)

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Advantage of a network
• Resource Sharing : A network enables the sharing of data files.
Software can be installed on a central server instead of purchasing
licenses for every machine. Peripherals such as printers and scanners
can be shared across an organization. Databases and files can also be
shared, effectively reducing costs
• Better Communication : Internet enables better
communication through email messaging, chat rooms
and video conferencing.
• Access to remote databases : Internet allows users to access
remote databases like railway reservations, universities, hotels, etc.

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Need of Computer Network

• Computer networks have become vital in the modern age because

they allow interaction as well as sharing of resources among
various devices and individuals.
• The following is a list of things that we do via computer networks,
matters that we benefit from using computer networks, or items
that have become achievable or in effect as a result of computer
networks.
• Easy resource sharing − Computer networks allow users and devices to
share resources like printers, documents, and apps easily. This increases
efficiency while decreasing the expense of offering resources.
• Good communication facility − Computer networks help individuals to
communicate with one another regardless of where they are. Individuals
can communicate in real-time using networking tools such as instant
messaging, email, and video conferencing.
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 • Access information − Networks enable access to a diverse set of
services and information, such as the internet, database servers,
and cloud-based services for computing. Individuals can now obtain
and share data all over the globe.
• High security − Networks enable the deployment of security
precautions like encrypted connections, firewalls, and access control
that help protect sensitive information and data from illicit access
and other safety hazards.
• Collaboration − Networks enable collaboration among people and
groups engaged in the same task, regardless of their geographical
location. This encourages collaboration, improves productivity, and
fosters creativity.
• Centralized management − Networks enable centralized handling
of resources, apps, and information.
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Peer to Peer (P2P)
network/Workgroup
• Peer-to-peer refers to the direct sharing of resources and information between
devices or users without relying on a central server.
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) is defined as a decentralized network architecture in which
participants, called peers, interact directly with each other without the need for a
central authority or server.
• In a P2P network, each participant acts as both a client and a server, enabling
them to share resources and services directly with other peers.
• A peer-to-peer network is a group of computers or devices(called peers) that
share resources and access shared resources without centralized control. In the
group, there is no central authority that defines access rules. All group members
have equal rights. A member cannot control another member in any form.

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Advantages of peer-to-peer networks

• A peer-to-peer network is easier to set up. It does not require

any special software or operating system. You can set up a
peer-to-peer network by using any operating system. Almost all
operating systems support peer-to-peer networking and include
necessary components to connect an existing peer-to-peer
group or to create a new peer-to-peer group.
• Since a peer-to-peer network does not require additional
components or applications, it does not increase the setup cost.
A peer-to-peer network also does not require any special
networking knowledge. With basic networking knowledge,
anyone can easily set up a simple peer-to-peer network.
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Disadvantages of peer-to-peer networks

• Peer-to-peer networks provide only basic options for advanced

sharing. To use these options, a lot of setups are required. For
example, suppose you have 10 computers in your network and
want to use this architecture to set up a folder where users can
save files.
• In this case, first, you have to create 10 local user accounts on
the system that holds the shared folder and defines access
rules for each user account. Then you have to create the same
user accounts with the same passwords on all remaning
computers. You have to create and manage 100 user accounts
(10x10 = 100) for a simple setup.
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Peer to Peer Network

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• Since usernames and passwords are stored locally, a user can change
them without notifying you. If this happens, the user will not be able to
connect to the shared folder. This can be an organizational nightmare.
• Since peer-to-peer networks do not use dedicated network operating
systems, the performance of these networks is less than client-server
networks that use dedicated network operating systems or applications.
• Peer-to-peer networks are also not considered secure networks. In a
peer-to-peer network, shared resources can be easily discovered and
used by unauthorized users.
• In this type of network, since data is not stored in a centralized location,
backing up critical data is quite a difficult task.

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Where should peer-to-peer networking be used?

• Peer-to-peer networking is useful in the following conditions.

• The number of computers or devices in the network is less than 15.
• Networking is mainly required for hardware sharing.
• Advanced sharing is not required.
• Additional networking features are not required.
• The administrator personally knows all users of the network.
• Data security is not the top priority.
• The above conditions are usually fulfilled in home and small office
networks. Thus, peer-to-peer networking is mostly used in home and
small office networks.
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SCENARIO
• To understand better, imagine a group of friends studying together for
an exam. In a traditional classroom setting (client-server architecture),
there is a teacher who serves as a central authority and provides
information to all the students (clients). The students rely on the
teacher for the necessary study materials and guidance.
• Now, let’s apply the P2P concept to our study group. In this scenario,
each student is considered a peer. Instead of relying solely on the
teacher, the students can directly interact with each other, exchange
study materials, and help each other understand difficult concepts.

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• For example, if one student has summarized notes for a particular topic,
they can share it with the rest of the group by making copies or simply
showing it to others. Another student might have found useful online
resources or practice questions, which they can share with the group. The
students can discuss and explain concepts to each other, asking questions
and clarifying doubts.
• In this P2P study group, no one student is solely responsible for providing
all the information. Instead, each student contributes knowledge and
resources, and everyone benefits from the collective effort. If one student
is absent, it doesn’t stop the others from studying and sharing information.
The study group functions efficiently because the peers are directly
interacting and sharing resources without relying on a central authority.
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• Similarly, in a P2P computer network, each device can act as a peer, sharing files,
data, or services directly with other peers in the network. There is no need for a
central server to manage and distribute resources. Peers can communicate,
exchange information, and collaborate, creating a decentralized network where
everyone contributes to the overall functioning of the system.

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Client/Server Network
• In the client-server network model, shared resources are managed through
a centralized database. A centralized database stores all information about
the network. Usually, this information includes user accounts, passwords,
computer accounts, location of shared resources, access rules, and the
hierarchy of the network. The system on which the centralized database is
installed is known as the server system.
• Depending on the size of the centralized database and hierarchy of the
network, the database can be installed on a single server system or
multiple server systems. A centralized database can only be installed on a
NOS. A NOS (network operating system) is a type of operating system that
is mainly designed for applications that are used to perform networking-
related tasks. Microsoft Windows Server, Ubuntu Server, and RHEL Server
are examples of NOS.
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• Client systems are used to access shared resources. A client system
provides two types of login access: local login and network login. The local
login is used to access the resources available on the local system. The
network login is used to access the shared resources available on the
network.
• A client system stores login information of only local user accounts. When
a user uses the local user account to log in, the client system
authenticates the login. When the user uses the network user account to
log in, the client system transfers the credential to the server system. The
server system checks the centralized database and grants login access if
the supplied username and password are correct.
• Since the login information of network user accounts is stored on the
server system, a user can use any client system to log in and access his
network user account.
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Client/Server network

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 Typically, a server is used for the following functions:
• Authenticating user login
• Restricting unauthorized access
• Controlling what a user can access
• Storing and managing data in a centralized location
• Backing up data regularly
• Creating network users accounts
• Grouping user accounts based on multiple criteria and requirements
• Storing locations of shared resources
• Mapping user accounts with shared resources
• Creating access rules for shared resources
• Supplying network applications to client systems
• Defining client computers from where a user can log in
• To perform the above tasks, a server system requires more processing power, memory, and storage capacity than
client systems. For example, a file server may use multiple hard disks to store a large amount of data.

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Advantages of the client-server network model

• It stores all critical information in a single place which makes it easier

to manage and backup.
• It allows an administrator to define access rules for each shared
object.
• It allows an administrator to control the entire network from a single
place.
• It is the most secure network model among all available network
models.
• It is scalable. An administrator can easily add and remove clients from
the network.
• In this model, troubleshooting is easy.
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Disadvantages of the client-server network model

• Since it stores all information in a single place, it has a single point of

failure. If the server fails, the entire network fails.
• It requires a network operating system(NOS) and network applications that
cost a lot of money. You can easily purchase a top-end desktop computer
for the price of a single NOS.
• It requires a dedicated and experienced administer for setup and
management.
• It is not suitable for home and small offices.

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 Differences between the client-server network model and peer-to-peer network
model

• The peer-to-peer network model stores user accounts and passwords on the local system.
The client-server network model stores user accounts and passwords on a centralized
database that can be installed on a single system or a group of systems.
• If a device accesses a service and presents a platform to use the accessed service, the
device is known as the client. If a device provides a service, the device is known as the
server. In the peer-to-peer network model, a device can act as both. It can act as a server
to provide a service and act as a client to access a service. In the client-server model, a
device has a dedicated role. It can be either a server or a client. It cannot be both.
• In the peer-to-peer network model, each device has equal rights. A device cannot control
another device in any form. In the client-server network model, the server defines the rights
of each client.
• The peer-to-peer network model does not require a special operating system and
applications. The client-server network model needs a special operating system known as
NOS and network applications.

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• The peer-to-peer network model is easy to set up and does not
need an experienced administrator for management. The client-
server network model is complex and needs an experienced
administrator for management.
• The peer-to-peer network is less expensive than the client-server
network model.
• The peer-to-peer network model provides basic sharing options.
The client-server model provides all sharing options.
• The peer-to-peer network is mostly used in a home or small office
network. The client-server model is mainly used in a business
environment.
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Hybrid Network
• Hybrid networks are the networks that are based on both peer-to-peer & client-server relationship.

• Hybrid networks incorporate the best features of workgroups in peer-to-peer networks with the
performance, security and reliability of server-based networks.

• Hybrid networks still provide all of the centralized services of servers, but they also allow users to
share and manage their own resources within the workgroup.

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Advantages of Hybrid Network

1. Client Server application are still centrally located and managed.

2. Users can assign local access to resources in their computers.
3. Workgroups can manage resources without requiring assistance from network
administrator.

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Disadvantages of Hybrid Network

1. Users may need to remember multiple passwords.

2. Files can be duplicated and changes overwritten between the computers with the
shared folder and the Server.
3. Files saved on the workstation are not backed up.

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