Client Server / Peer to Peer

Client-Server

In a client-server network you have a special class of device called a server, and normal devices called clients. A client device is used during normal day to day tasks, but a server is dedicated just to the task assigned. In client-server networks, client devices make requests for network services to servers, multiple servers may be used for different services. A large network may have a file server, print server, email server, back-up etc. All data is stored on a central server that users can then access, this makes it easier to back up data as it is all in one place. Login servers can be used allowing user accounts and passwords to be the same across all machines, allowing for easy control over access rights.

Advantages

• All files are stored in a central location, and be accessed from any machine.
• Network peripherals are controlled centrally, allowing you to share multiple printers from a single server.
• Backups and network security is controlled centrally, requires the backup of a single location.
• Users can access shared data which is centrally controlled, users can login to any machine.

DisAdvantages

A specialist network operating system is needed. The server is expensive to purchase. Specialist staff such as a network manger is needed. If any part of the network fails a lot of disruption can occur.

Peer-Peer

In a peer to peer network all devices are of equal class. Unlike Client-Server networks, there are no dedicated servers in peer-peer networks. Each workstation in the network acts as both client and server, leaving each individual user to choose what is to be shared between workstations. If passwords are required they are have to be changed individually between multiple devices, making these kind of networks extremely difficult to scale into large organisations. They are also more insecure due to permission management of shares being managed individually.