Networks . 2

Networks . 2

1. Peer-to-peer

   • Each computer has the same status and are able to communicate with each other on equal footage
     • Every computer on this type of network can access all the resources of any of the other computers on the network
   • Used for home networks
   • Commonly used to share files and printers using several computers in your home.
   • User able to connect to another users computer over the network so there is no central management.
   • Problems with this over legality of sharing copyrighted music, videos and images.
   • Kazaa and Napster are the most common
   • All computers are of equal status
   • Advantages
     • Cost Saving
       • No server is needed, so all the computers can be the same
     • No ntwork manager is needed
       • All users take the responsibility for the network
     • Easy to set up
       • There are the simplest of computer networks, so they can be set up by anone
     • There is no reliance on a server
       • So no worry about the server breaking up.
     • Lower operating costs
       • Less set up and maintenance
     • Peer responsibility
       • Users decide what resources other users can use on thier computers.
   • Disadvantages
     • Backups cannot be made centrally
       • Places responsibility on all the users to back up thier own data; you cannot be sure that all users will do this
     • Users need more IT knowledge
       • As they will be repsonsible for thier files on thier own computers
     • Poorer security
       • Resources are shared, so users have to decide what resources of thiers other users on the network can use
     • Some computers may run slowly
       • These computers that have resources on them that allow all users will run slowly
     • Users may experience difficulties in finding files as they arent organised or held centrally
     • Only suitable for very small networks with typically fewer than 15 networked computers

2. Client-to-server

   • Preferred choice for large networks
   • All computers are not the same stats
   • More powerful computer is used as the central computer, where all files and programs are stored. This computer is called a server
   • The other compters on the network are called clients
   • Network manager usuall incharge of the server
   • Advantages
     • Security is better
       • It's centralised and a person is given responsibility for it.
     • Centralised data
       • Data is all held on the file server which means that all users have access to the same set of data
     • Backups are taken cenrally
       • Regulat backups taken by network manager. Data and programmes are unlikely to be lost
     • Faster access to programs and files
       • Servers are used which are powerful computers, so the whole netwrok runs faster.
     • Centralised administration
       • All the admin of the networks (allocation of usernames / passwords) is performed centrally so user do not have to worry about it
   • Disadvantages
     • More expensive
       • Servers are expensive
     • Need specialist knowledge
       • Need to have a person who understands the technicalities of a network in charge of the networl
     • If the server breaks down it renders the network unusable until it can be repaired
     • Software is sophisticated and expensive
       • Network operating systems are expensive. For larger C-S networks it may be neccessary to buy network management software.