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Networking
Peer 2 Peer
&
Client Server
Client Server/Peer 2 Peer
What's the difference?
Network require special software to control the flow of information
between users. A Network Operating System, or NOS, is installed onto
each PC that requires network access. The NOS is like a football
referee that monitors most things. These are things such as
•exchange and flow of files
•electronic mail
•other network information
Network Operating Systems are classified according to whether they
are peer-to-peer or client-server NOSs
Network Operating Systems
Peer-to-peer NOS’s like Windows 7 and 10 are
best for home & small office use... they are
great for sharing applications, data, printers,
and other localised resources across a few PCs
(Max 10)
Client-server NOS’s like Windows server, Unix
and MacOS are ideal for large-scale
organisations that require fast network access
for video, publishing, multimedia, spreadsheet,
database, and accounting operations and file
sharing.
Peer to Peer
The P2P acronym technically stands for "peer-to-peer"
computer networking. Webopedia defines P2P as
"A type of network in which each workstation has equivalent
capabilities and responsibilities. This differs from client/server
architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to
serving the others. "
In other words:
A peer-to-peer network allows two or more PCs to pool their
resources together. Individual resources like disk drives, CDROM drives, and even printers are transformed into shared,
collective resources that are accessible from every PC.
Peer to Peer Cont…
Unlike client-server networks, where network information is stored
on a centralised PC (file server) and made available to tens,
hundreds, or thousands client PCs, the information stored across
peer-to-peer networks is uniquely decentralised. Because peerto-peer PCs have their own hard disk drives that are accessible
by all computers, each PC acts as both a client (information
requestor) and a server (information provider).
Peer to Peer Cont….
After the networking hardware has been installed, a peer-topeer network software package must be installed onto all of
the PCs. Such a package allows information to be transferred
back and forth between the PCs, hard disks, and other devices
when users request it. Popular peer-to-peer NOS software
includes Windows98, Windows 95, Windows 2000, Artisoft
LANtastic, and NetWare Lite.
Conclusion
Each computer is an equal, or peer, of the others and can
share files and peripherals connected to the network. While a
peer-to-peer network is a simple, low-cost, easy to-install
solution, it is not as efficient for finding, retrieving and storing
files.
Client Server
A client/server network uses a network operating system
(NOS) which designed to manage the whole network from
one central SERVER
In client/server computing, processes are divided between
the client and the server. This relationship is based on a series
of requests and responses.
Client
Requests services or information from another computer (the
server computer).
Server
Responds to the client's request by sending the results of the
request back to the client computer.
Client Server Cont….
The client computer runs a software application called a client
program. This software allows a computer to act as a client, this
•Enables the user to send a request for information to the server.
•Formats the request so that the server can understand it.
•Formats the response from the server in a way that the user can
read.
The server computer runs a software application called a server
program. This software allows a computer to act as a server. this
•Receives a request from a client and processes the request.
•Responds by sending the requested information back to the
client.
Client Server Cont….
The following diagram illustrates the relationship between
client and server computers. The client requests information;
the server processes the request and sends a response back to
the client.
Client Server Cont….
In a client-server environment files are stored on a
centralised, high speed file server that is made available to
client PCs. Network access speeds are usually faster than
those found on peer-to-peer networks, which is reasonable
given the vast numbers of clients that this architecture can
support. Nearly all network services like printing, web and
electronic mail are routed through the file server, which
allows networking tasks to be tracked.
Client Server Conclusion
The presence of a central computer or server in
this configuration provides several advantages.
As files are stored in a single location, they are
easier to update, back up, and archive with
dependable results.
The server is typically a high-performance
computer that ensures speedy data access and
delivery, and gives a business the platform to
add capabilities such as centralised accounting
and general ledger, manufacturing, order entry,
shipping, or inventory management software.
Conclusion
The type of network setup you chose
depends on a large number of factors
theses include:
•Cost
•Size of organisation
•Practicability
•Functions needed by the organisation