Architectures
Last updated
Last updated
There are two types of network architectures:
Client-Server
Peer-to-peer
In a client server network, a server is defined as a powerful computer that provides services and resources required by any of its clients.
A client in a computer which requests for services or resources provided by the server. Services provided by servers in a client-server network could include file storage as well as management of emails, user accounts and print queues.
There can often be many specialised servers where each one is dedicated to certain task, especially in a large client-server network.
Most businesses use client-server networks to allow for central management of clients on the network. This can improve security but requires a fair degree of expertise to set up and manage.
In a peer-to-peer network, the services are provided by the clients themselves and every client has an equal status. For example, one computer on the network might manage print queues, another may manage storage and a third may manage emails.
The main disadvantage of peer-to-peer networks is that all of the clients that provide services must be running in order to keep the network operating. If the computer responsible for managing storage is turned off or faulty, none of the clients on the network can access their files.
However, a peer-to-peer network may be cheaper as a powerful server will not be needed to provide the services and resources. Also, peer-to-peer networks are easier to setup and maintain than client-server networks.
Large file-sharing networks and multimedia providers use peer-to-peer networking to provide high-performance services without the requirement for a server.
The P2P configuration can also be used for file-sharing websites. BBC iPlayer, for example uses P2P networking. This means that with thousands of people downloading, data can be passed between computers rather than just from the server.
P2P networks are often used to distribute copyrighted material such as music and films, as they are difficult to close down.
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics. Rather than maintaining your own networks, you can use cloud computing to share software and files.
Advantages of cloud computing: Software and data can be accessed from anywhere around the world; Data is automatically backed up so there's no fear of losing it; The software and data doesn't take space in the computer's hard drive.
