Lecture on Network Types: Client-Server vs. Peer-to-Peer

Overview

• Discussion on comparing similar network types.
• Focus on Client-Server networks vs. Peer-to-Peer networks.

Identifying Network Types

Client-Server Network

• Key Feature: Presence of a server.
• Example: School networks.
• Working Mechanism:
  • Files saved on a client computer are sent to a server for storage.
  • Access files from any computer by logging in, as long as they are stored on the server.
• Advantages:
  • Centralized storage facilitates easy backups and ensures reliability.
  • Applications can be updated and installed centrally.
  • Security measures can be enforced across the network.
• Disadvantages:
  • High setup and maintenance costs.
  • Requires purchasing powerful servers.
  • Network dependent on server functionality; server failure can lead to network collapse.

Peer-to-Peer Network

• Key Feature: No central server.
• Example: Home networks.
• Working Mechanism:
  • Devices connect directly to each other.
  • No central file storage; each device stores its own data.
• Advantages:
  • Lower cost with no need for a server or maintenance.
  • No central point of failure; individual device failure doesn't affect the entire network.
• Disadvantages:
  • Backups are manual and time-consuming.
  • Program and file availability may vary across devices.
  • Security updates are inconsistent, increasing vulnerability.

Conclusion

• Comparison highlights the opposites in operation and management of both network types.
• Choosing between them depends on needs and resources.
• Encouragement to learn more through additional resources.

End of lecture notes.