4.9.2.2 Types of networking between hosts

Question 1

What is a peer-to-peer network?

Answer 1

no single provider is responsible for being the server. Each computer stores files and acts as a server. Each computer has equal responsibility for providing data.
Used for torrenting

Question 2

What are the advantages / disadvantages of peer-to-peer?

Answer 2

Easy to set up
Any computer/device/peer can access resources from any other - files can be distributed
Less secure - if one device is breached then other devices are compromised
Clients are not dependent on a central server, you don’t get roaming profiles.
If machines on the network are slow they will slow down other machines.
Each computer has to be backed up. Data can easily be deleted by users.

Question 3

What is a client server network?

Answer 3

The client computer, makes a service request from another, the server. The client is dependent on the server to provide and manage the information.
Used for businesses, schools

Question 4

What are the advantages / disadvantages of client-server?

Answer 4

Central security
Centralised file storage - can access files on any computer in network
Central backup
Central software - all updated at once
Access rights - give different users access to files, more secure
The server can be upgraded to be made more powerful to cope with high demand, one slow client won’t slow the server
Expensive
The server manages the network. Needs a dedicated team of people to manage the server. Configuration/setup more complex // configuration/setup requires greater expertise;

Question 5

How is the internet accessed on a peer to peer and client server network?

Answer 5

In a peer to peer network the router connects to the internet and each computer links to the router so they can access files
In a client server network a dedicated server or device acts as a server that stores the shared files. The modem connects to the internet and the other devices act as clients and request files from the server

Question 6

Why is remote management software used over going to the servers?

Answer 6

Servers may be inaccessible due to being far away and it may not have a keyboard or monitor. With remote management you can access multiple servers from one computer and outside work hours. It would be faster and more convenient.