3.3 - Network Characteristics

Peer-to-Peer

Client Server

Mesh Network

Bus Network

Ring Network

Star Network

Each computer is linked to one another. Instead of using a dedicated server, they send data packets through and between each other.

Pros:

  • Each user sets access rights, so ICT specialists are not needed
  • One PC failing does not bring down the entire network

Cons:

  • The more people log in, the worse performance gets
  • Cannot perform a central file backup

Files are not stored on the computers, but rather on a server, which provides services to each computer and client.

Pros:

  • All files stored centrally
  • If some PCs fail, files will still be available

Cons:

  • Requires a network OS
  • Servers are expensive

1200px-P2P-network.svg

5ea0baf0b2840153a46b9128_Client-Server-Achitecture

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Cheap, as it doesn't require much cabling

busnetworktopologydiagram

star-Topology

Pros:

  • Data is transferred quickly, because it only travels in one direction

Ring-Topology

Cons:

  • Requires skilled ICT staff to manage
  • Extremely expensive to set up

taking-back-the-internet-mesh-networks-are-more-reliable-and-lower-cost

Cons:

  • Adding more workstations will slow the whole network down, due to data collisions
  • All data passes through the main cable, creating a security risk

Pros:

  • Reliable
  • High performance

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • If the hub/switch fails, the whole network goes down

Cons:

  • If any cable or device fails, the whole network goes down

Pros:

  • A broken cable or computer doesn’t affect the rest of the network
  • Extra computers do not slow down the network