Client/Server Networks

A network can also be design to have a central computer, server, which acts to facilitate communication and resource sharing other computers on the network, which are known as client.

A network that uses a server to enable clients to share data, data storage space, and devices is known as a client server network. Basically, a server is use in the architecture to administer and manage clients activity.

In a Client/Server architecture, every computer on the networks will acts as either a client or a server. Although it is possible for a workstation to be both a client and a server, it is however, an uncommon practice.

Clients on the networks are still able to runs application from and save data to their local hard disk. But unlike a P2P networks they do not share their resources directly with each other. Rather a server will acts as their intermediary. However by using a server, clients are able to share applications, data, and devices just as long as the clients have the credentials.

Unlike the Operating System runs on a client, the computer server must be running a special type of Operating System. It is called Network Operating System(NOS) a type of Operating System designed to:-

1. manage data and other resources for clients.
2. Control which type of file user can open and read.
3. Ensure that only authorized user access the network.
4. Supply applications to clients.
5. Dictates which rules computers will use to communicate.
6. Restricts when and from where users can access the network.

Some of the popular network OS are Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Unix, Linux, and Novell Netware.

Even though Client/Server networks are typically more complex and costly in their design and maintenance compare to P2Pnetworks, there are many advantages over P2P networks that can be seen such as:-

1. user logon accounts and passwords for anyone on a server-based network can be assigned in one place.
2. access to multiple shared resources (such as data files and printers) can be centrally granted to a single user or group of users.
3. Problems on the network can be diagnose from a centralized computer, the server.
4. Faster response time - Servers are optimized to handle heavy processing loads and dedicated to handling requests from clients.
5. Server can connects to more than a handful of computer due to their efficient processing and larger disk storage.
6. It is more scalable - that is, the network can easily extended.
   

With that said, this shows that Client/Server networks are more easily manageable, secure, and powerful than P2P networks.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks

The peer-to-peer network is the simplest form of network. In P2P network, every computer connected directly to the other computer. By default, no computer on P2P network has more authority than another. In P2P network, each computer can be configured to share some of its resources and data with the network members. Each computer in P2P is capable of sending and receiving data to and from every other computer.

In every type of networks there are advantages and disadvantages to the network.

The advantages of using traditional peer-to-peer networks are:-

1. It is simple to configure.
2. It is less expensive to set up and maintain than Client/Server Network.
3. Safe from viruses, adware, and other malicious object from the Internet as it is usually connected to a close network.

The disadvantages of using peer-to-peer network:

1. Not flexible. As the network grows larger it tends to be hard to maintain the networks, such as, adding or changing the elements of the P2P network.
2. Not necessarily secure – even though it will not be infected by malicious software from the net, it can be access by unauthorized people from other network users.
3. Not practical for connecting more than several computers. As they do not always centralize resources.

Although traditional peer-to-peer networks are typically small and usually are set up in the home or small office, in the last few years, large P2P networks have emerged through the use of the Internet. People all around the world share files between each others’ computers. Unlike the traditional P2P networks, this types of network require the use of specialize software. Examples of these networks are the original Napster, Gnutella, and Freenet.

Understanding Computer Network

Today networks have become one of the most important components in businesses throughout the world, but it only exists to provide a medium for the computer to communicate. Much like roads provide a medium for cars, the computer network allows computer to move data from one system to another. Without networks any operation which involves the communication of computers such as Online Banking, instant messenger, and many more will not be possible.

In order to fully understand computer network, you should at least be familiar with computer components such as the processor, bus, storage units, and expansion cards.

Personal Computer Component

CPU - Central Processing Unit. The main processor for a computing devices. The CPU runs the instructions instruct by the OS
RAM - Random Access Memory. A type of volatile memory that can be read and written, by the microprocessor.
Storage Devices
Expansion Bus - A signaling path made up of wires or other media that allow electronic signals to be sent from one part of a devices to another.
Input Output Devices - Devices which are use to input the data and output its data to the user.
NIC - Network Interface Card. The devices which allows workstation to connect to the network and communicate with another computer.

Types of Networks

Computers can be positioned on a network in different ways relative to each other. Different types of network have different level of control and shared resources. There are two fundamental types of networks model:-

1. P2P (Peer-to-Peer)
2. Client/Server