1.4 Networks 2: client-server and peer-to-peer

Question 1

client-server network

Answer 1

two types of computers:

file servers - computers which control access and manage the network

clients - computers on which the users work

the server manages internet, printing jobs, email service, and backs up data

the client makes requests to the server

Question 2

peer-to-peer networks

Answer 2

one type of computer

no server to manage the network

all the computers are connected together equally

they are all equal and can communicate with each other directly without having to go through a server

a peer is a computer on the network

Question 3

using a client-server network

Answer 3

• users log in to the servers to access programs and data stored on them
• servers are responsible for network security by allocating login names and passwords to users
• all files are held on the servers and can be backed up centrally

Question 4

using a peer-to-peer network

Answer 4

• each client can act as a server. other clients can share programs, data, and printers
• security is distributed, each user can grant rights to others and allocate passwords
• data is stored on each client and not centrally
• each user is responsible for backing up each client

Question 5

advantages and disadvantages of a client-server model

Answer 5

• easier to manage security of files
• easier to take backups of all shared data
• easier to install software updates
• can be expensive to set up and maintain
• single point of failure, users lose access if the servers fail
• requires IT specialists to maintain

Question 6

advantages and disadvantages of peer-to-peer model

Answer 6

• no dependency on a single machine
• cheaper to set up, no expensive hardware required
• easy to maintain, no specialist staff required
• can be difficult to maintain a well ordered file store
• users need to manage their own backups
• network is less secure

Question 7

List three benefits of using a client-server rather than a peer-to-peer network [3]

Answer 7

network security is controlled centrally rather than on each client, making it more secure

all files can be saved centrally rather than on each client, making it easier to manage

all backups can be done centrally rather than having to be done on each client

Question 8

List three benefits and three drawbacks of using a peer-to-peer network rather than a client-server network [3]

Answer 8

• there is no need for an expensive server, which is required for a client-server network
• there is no need for an expensive operating system, which is required for a client-server
• no need for trained staff, “
• peer-to-peer is much easier to set up and requires less specialist knowledge
• less secure as login names and passwords are not centrally managed as they are in a client-server network
• files are not centrally stored but are distributed throughout the network
• files cannot be centrally backed up but, on a peer-to-peer network, each client has to be centrally backed up
• client machines may start to run slowly if other users area accessing files or software on them or usng peripherals attached to them