Client Server vs Peer to Peer Networks

A Network is a configuration of workstations that enables users to share data, programs, and peripheral devices. Data sharing allows system wide communications, and program sharing enables users to access infrequently used programs without the loss of speed or memory capacity that would normally result if those programs were installed at each workstation. A network environment can be configured as client-server (c/s) or peer-to-peer (p/p).

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First, we have client-server network (c/s). A client-server links a powerful computer, the server, to several other less powerful servers. Then clients can access many different programs 24-7 located within the powerful server to perform tasks such as file sharing, printing, e-mail, and filing. Small businesses would typically use client-server due to the benefits that come along with it, such as, maximizing productivity, security, reliability and accessibility. For example with a client-serve, the server establishes a connection, with the Internet; the web browser is the client program, which has requested a service from the server. The server provides the web page, which indicates the delivery of the resource the client requested.

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The second network configuration is the peer-to-peer network (p/p). The peer-to-peer indicates that each individual workstation functions as both a client and a server. So for instance, laptops and desktops are able to access each other’s files and applications. The information is not at one central location, one peer will have to connect with another peer to find a specific piece of information. A really good example of a peer-to peer network would have to be Skype. With over 25 million members, Skype.com offers all their applications on the clients side, using their own personal server to acquire all resources required; Skype is a large organization which has pulled away from a single administrative center to other locations usually granting them some degree...