1.4C, Client Server & Peer to Peer
Client Server
Peer To Peer
Work stations connected to a switch whats then connected to a server, the server gives a service to the nodes/workstations that are connected to the server. Some of these services are file servers, back ups, printing, email, access to the internet. When the node authenticates his access in the network it will go through the switch then through the cable and in the server where they can access all these services available. Then the server will figure out what services they are aloud to access and then give them, them services. Back up servers in client servers are very easy to get and use, a back up is to save all folders in the file server and stored off site away from the server.
Down Sides:
It is the highest cost to set up and maintain as you need to buy all the equipment such as the switch, the cobbling what then you have to store and box up somewhere safe so it doesn't cause a hazard all the server. You will also need a support team to help workers with their problems such as passwords lost files and bugs/viruses. Even if you get a wireless network it is even more expensive and harder to maintain and you will still need a support team. You will also need qualified staff to set up a wireless server/network. You will also need to set up the permission levels and also if the switch fails or another part fails all the nodes and the server will go down.
click to edit
Teacher Notes on Client Server:
Client-Server Architecture
At the heart of this network architecture is a server. This could be:
a file server (for shared areas and central storage of files),
a backup server (for centralized backups,
a print server (for making use of all connected printers and managing print queues).
(there are many other types of servers)
All nodes connect to this server via a switch or a hub.
Authentication is required to access these servers. This could be by providing:
Usernames and passwords
Fingerprint scan
Iris scan
Facial recognition
Voice recognition
Downsides of client-server:
Set-up & Maintenance costs - qualified technical staff,
Central failure can be catastrophic.
Peer to peer has no server or file server. All files are stored on individual PC hard drive. There is no authentication either so anyone can just turn on the computer and get access straight away to all the files. You can also have shared folders whats accessible to everyone on the peer to peer network but if that workstation is turned off, broken, destroyed or anything else happens to them all files in the share, will be gone and you wont be able to access them anymore. On a peer to peer security is very weak and if there isn't a strong policy it would be very easy to gain access to the network. If the computer needs an update or some new software installed instead of just pressing a button and it starts installing all at the same time. It has to be installed separate to all the other workstations what could make this very inconvenient.
click to edit
Teacher Notes on Peer to Peer:
No central point - all nodes are directly connected to other nodes via a switch/hub.
No central file server
No central backup server
Printers connected directly to nodes. If the connected node is off, the printer is unavailable
Software installed on each computer. No network install option.
Sharing of files can still happen. Some users may set up shared areas, but these are unavailable if the user sharing turns off the node.
No central security policy for passwords.... may even be no passwords on some nodes!
What is a server?
A Server provides a service to connected nodes. This could be files, printing, web access etc.