COMPUTER NETWORK NOTES, IOE, TU, BCA, BSCCSIT
CLIENT SERVER AND PEER TO PEER NETWORK
Client-Server Network:
Description:
A client-server network architecture is a model where tasks and functions are divided between the "client" (end-user device) and the "server" (a centralized system or service). The client initiates requests, and the server fulfills them. This architecture is prevalent in various computing environments.
Key Characteristics:
- Roles:
- Client: The user's device (computer, smartphone, etc.) that requests services or resources.
- Server: A powerful computer or system that provides services or resources to clients.
- Communication:
- Clients send requests for data, services, or resources to the server.
- Servers process the requests and send back the required information.
- Centralization:
- Services, resources, and data are centralized on the server, providing a single point of control.
- Examples:
- Web servers: Clients (web browsers) request web pages from servers.
- File servers: Clients request files or data storage from a central server.
- Database servers: Clients query and update data stored on a database server.
- Advantages:
- Centralized management and control.
- Efficient resource utilization.
- Enhanced security and access control.
- Disadvantages:
- Dependency on the server; if it fails, clients may lose access to resources.
- Potential scalability challenges as the number of clients increases.
Peer-to-Peer Network:
Description:
A peer-to-peer (P2P) network architecture allows devices (peers) to communicate directly with each other without relying on a central server. In P2P networks, each device has equal status and can act as both a client and a server.
Key Characteristics:
- Roles:
- Peers: Devices that communicate with each other on an equal footing, sharing resources without a central server.
- Communication:
- Peers can initiate requests and respond to requests from other peers.
- Resources, such as files or processing power, are shared directly between peers.
- Decentralization:
- No central server is required; each peer can communicate independently with others.
- Examples:
- File sharing networks: Peers share files directly with each other (e.g., BitTorrent).
- Distributed computing: Peers contribute processing power to solve complex problems (e.g., SETI@home).
- Advantages:
- No single point of failure; the network remains operational even if some peers are offline.
- Scalability as the network grows; new peers can easily join.
- Disadvantages:
- Lack of central control can lead to challenges in managing resources and security.
- Potential for uneven resource distribution among peers.
Comparison:
Aspect
|
Client-Server Network
|
Peer-to-Peer Network
|
Control
|
Centralized control on the server.
|
Decentralized; each peer has control.
|
Resource Sharing
|
Clients request resources from the server.
|
Peers share resources directly with each other.
|
Dependency
|
Dependency on the server; failure affects clients.
|
No single point of failure; network remains operational even if some peers are offline.
|
Scalability
|
May face scalability challenges as the number of clients increases.
|
Scalable; new peers can easily join.
|
Examples
|
Web servers, file servers, database servers.
|
File sharing networks, distributed computing.
|
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