Client - Server vs Peer to Peer (P2P) Network
There are two basic ways to set up a network. On both set ups you can share printers, internet connections etc.
One way is the client - server model where you have a server storing data and some applications .The alternative is a peer to peer network where each device has its own data, and applications.
Both approaches have strengths and weaknesses:
Explains client server and peer to peer networks
Client - Server Model | |
Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Client machines can be fairly low specifications (so cheaper) | Very reliant on the server. If it fails the whole network fails |
| Data can be backed up centrally | Requires a server additional expense |
| Security can be managed centrally (firewalls, antivirus etc) | Requires more network management - additional expense |
| Data always available as server is always on | Server can be overloaded by too much traffic from multiple clients |
Peer to Peer Model | |
Strengths | Weaknesses |
| If one device fails, the network still runs, there is no server | Can result in multiple copies of data on each device rather than one centrally |
| Less hardware needed so cheaper to set up | Requires individual devices to be backed up, and updated (antivirus and software) |
| Easy to maintain | Devices can slow down when others are accessing them for data |
| Data can be lost if only one one device and it fails (without being backed up) | |
