Client Server and P2P

Client Server and P2P

1. Client Server

   • A network where a main server (or main servers) serves and acts as a hub for many less powerful computers (clients). The server may manage main processing, storage, backup, software, security, etc. for the client computers.
   • Advantages
     • All data can be stored on a main server.
     • Reduces costs, as if many clients are used, they need not be particularly high specification if the server is sufficiently powerful.
     • Backups and security can be centralized.
     • Shared data can be accessed by all and can be stored (and backed up) centrally.
     • Updates to software and software installations can be controlled centrally.
     • Easy to monitor network traffic.
   • Disadvantages
     • A network engineer is likely to be needed to maintain the system.
     • Initial cost of server machine is high, however, if there are many clients, it may be cheaper than having many higher spec nodes.
     • If the main server fails, everything breaks.

2. Peer to Peer

   • A network in which no machine has overall control of the network, instead each node can contact and request data from any other node.
   • Advantages
     • Low cost when there are few nodes.
     • Very easy to set up.
     • Little need for maintenance.
     • If any machine fails the entire network doesn't collapse.
   • Disadvantages
     • Poor security as each computer is able to access each other computer.
     • Cannot centrally backup data.
     • Cannot use network keys for software or centrally update software.
     • Shared data is only available from machines which are online.
     • No centralized security so each user must install antivirus themselves.