Client Server Networks and Peer to Peer Networks

Client Server Networks and Peer to Peer Networks

1. Client Server Networks

   • Client Server netowrk is a type of network managed by a server, which takes requests from client devices.
     • Files and softwares are usually stored centrally on the server rather than on individual client devices
       • One) Easier to keep track of files as they are stored centrally. Two) Easier to perform Back-ups.Three) Easier to install and update software.
         • One) Expensive to set up and needs IT specialists to maintain network and server. Two) If server goes down, all clients lose work. Three) Server may become overloaded if too many people access it at once.

2. Peer to Peer Networks

   • In Peer-To-Peer (P2P) networks all devices are equal, connecting directly to each other without a server
     • You store files on individual devices and share them with others.
       • one) Easy to maintain- you don't need any expertise or expensive hardware. two) No dependance on server- If one device fails the whole network isn't lost.
         • one) No centralised management - devices need their updates and security installed individually, back ups are also more complicated. Two) Peer machines are less reliable and data may be lost if one fails.