peer-to-peer and client server

Categories of network architecture

      -Peer-to-Peer network

          •A simple, inexpensive network that typically connects fewer  than 10 computers.

          •Each computer, called a peer, has equal responsibilities and capabilities.

         •Sharing hardware (such as a printer), data or information with other computers on the peer-to-peer network.

        •Each computer stores files on its own storage devices. Thus, each computer on the network contains both the server operating system and application software.

•All computers on the network share any peripheral device(s) attached to any computer

•Peer-to-peer networks are ideal for very small businesses and home users.

•Some operating systems, such as Windows, include a peer to-peer networking utility that allows users to set up a peer-to-peer network.

Implementing a peer-to-peer network typically involves three steps:

•Install network hardware.

•Configure the peers and workgroup members.

•Share resources to the network.

client/server network

•One or more computers act as a server, and the other computers on the network request services from the server.

•Server, sometimes called a host computer, controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on the network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data and information.

•The clients are other computers and mobile devices on the network that rely on the server for its resources.

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For example, a server might store a database of customers. Clients on the network (company employees) access the customer database on the server.

•Client/server architecture works when the client computer sends a resource or process request to the server over the network connection, which is then processed and delivered to the client.

•A server can manage several clients simultaneously, whereas one client can be connected to several servers at a time, each providing a different set of services.

•The Internet is also based on client/server architecture where the Web server serves many simultaneous users with Web page and or website data.