Network Models
There are two basic wired network models from
which to choosethe peer-to-peer network model and the client/server
model. The model used for a network is determined by several
factors, including how the network will be used, how many users
will be on the network, and budgetary considerations.
Peer-to-peer Networking
A
peer-to-peer network
is a decentralized
network model offering no centralized storage of data or
centralized control over the sharing of files or resources. All
systems on a peer-to-peer network can share the resources on their
local computer as well as use resources of other systems.
Peer-to-peer networks are cheaper and easier to
implement than client/server networks, making them an ideal
solution for environments in which
budgets
are a concern. The
peer-to-peer model does not work well with large
numbers
of
computer systems. As a peer-to-peer network grows, it becomes
increasingly complicated to navigate and access files and resources
connected to each computer because they are distributed throughout
the network. Further, the lack of centralized data storage makes it
difficult to locate and back up key files.
Peer-to-peer networks are typically found in
small offices or in residential settings where only a limited
number of computers will be attached and only a few files and
resources shared. A general rule of thumb is to have no more than
10 computers connected to a peer-to-peer network.
Client/Server Networking Model
The client/server networking model is, without
question, the most widely implemented model and the one you are
most likely to encounter when working in real-world environments.
The advantages of the client/server system stem from the fact that
it is a centralized model. It allows for centralized network
management of all network services, including
user
management,
security, and backup procedures.
A client/server network often requires
technically skilled personnel to implement and manage the network.
This and the cost of a dedicated server hardware and software
increase the cost of the client/server model. Despite this, the
advantages of the centralized management, data storage,
administration, and security make it the network model of choice.
Table 1.1 summarizes the characteristics of the peer-to-peer and
client/server network models.
Table 1.1. Comparison of Networking
Models
|
Attribute
|
Peer-to-Peer
Network
|
Client/Server
Network
|
|
Size
|
Restricted to a maximum of 10 computers.
|
The size of the network is limited only by
server size and network hardware, and it can have thousands of
connected systems.
|
|
Administration
|
Each individual is responsible for the
administration of his or her own system. A administrator is not
needed.
|
A skilled network administrator is often
required to maintain and manage the network.
|
|
Security
|
Each individual is responsible for maintaining
security for shared files or resources connected to the system.
|
Security is managed from a central location but
often requires a skilled administrator to cSorrectly configure.
|
|
Cost
|
Minimal startup and implementation cost.
|
Requires dedicated equipment and specialized
hardware and administration, increasing the cost of the
network.
|
|
Implementation
|
Easy to configure and set up.
|
Often requires complex setup procedures and
skilled staff to set up.
|
|
The role of the client computer in the
client/server model is to request the data from the server and
present that data to the users.
|
|