Network Architecture

 

11.1 Client/Server Network

In a client/server network, one or more computers act as servers. Other devices, known as clients, request resources from the servers.

Term	Meaning
Server	A computer that provides resources or services
Client	A computer or device that requests resources from a server

Examples

• A student accesses lecture notes from a university server.
• An employee retrieves customer information from a company database.
• Several employees send documents to a network printer.

Advantages:

• Data can be managed centrally
• Security controls can be applied consistently
• Backup procedures are easier to organise

Limitation:

• A server failure may affect many users

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11.2 Peer-to-Peer Network

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network allows devices to communicate directly with one another.

Each computer may share its own resources without relying on a central server.

Computer A  ↔  Computer B
     ↕              ↕
Computer C  ↔  Computer D

Advantages:

• Simple to set up
• Suitable for a small number of computers
• Lower initial cost

Limitations:

• Security is more difficult to control
• File management may become disorganised
• Backup procedures may not be consistent

Important Ethical Reminder

Users must not share copyright-protected files illegally through peer-to-peer networks.