Networks can be organised in different ways depending on their purpose.
Client-Server Model
Definition
In a client-server network, dedicated servers provide services and resources to client computers that request them.
Key Point
Client-Server Characteristics:
• Central server(s) provide services
• Clients request services from server
• Centralised management and security
• Server requires powerful hardware
• Examples: Email servers, web servers, file servers
• Central server(s) provide services
• Clients request services from server
• Centralised management and security
• Server requires powerful hardware
• Examples: Email servers, web servers, file servers
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons (Client-Server):
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Centralised management and backup | Higher setup cost |
| Better security (controlled at server) | Server is single point of failure |
| Easier to scale | Requires IT expertise to maintain |
| Consistent performance |
Peer-to-Peer Model
Definition
In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, each device (peer) can act as both client and server, sharing resources directly with other peers.
Key Point
Peer-to-Peer Characteristics:
• No central server
• All devices are equal (peers)
• Resources shared directly between devices
• Decentralised
• Examples: BitTorrent, some gaming networks
• No central server
• All devices are equal (peers)
• Resources shared directly between devices
• Decentralised
• Examples: BitTorrent, some gaming networks
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons (Peer-to-Peer):
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Low cost (no server needed) | Difficult to manage/secure |
| Easy to set up | Performance depends on peers being online |
| No single point of failure | No centralised backup |
| Scales naturally as peers join | Security harder to enforce |
Exam Tip
When to use each:
• Client-Server: Businesses, schools - need security, management, reliability
• Peer-to-Peer: Home networks, file sharing - simple, low cost
• Client-Server: Businesses, schools - need security, management, reliability
• Peer-to-Peer: Home networks, file sharing - simple, low cost