Networks: Client Server Model

Question 1

What is the difference between Peer-to-peer and Client Server

Answer 1

In a peer-to-peer network, each node can request
for and provide services.

With the client server model, we can have a
single server supplying a whole network (e.g. a
print server or file server on a LAN)

Question 2

Benefits of Client Server

Answer 2

Software can be shared between clients
if hosted on the server

Other resources (e.g. printers) can be
managed centrally

Backups are easy to perform

Client devices can have lower
processing speed/hard disk capacity

The server can have greater control
over the network (access rights, adding
user accounts etc.)

Updates can be organised centrally

Question 3

Benefit of Peer-to-peer

Answer 3

Peer-to-peer are cheaper

Question 4

Thin Client advantages

Answer 4

The advantage for the user is that a
thin-client computer is cheaper to buy.

Software is always kept up-to-date by the
provider, and is often available at no
cost.

Thin clients are arguably more secure, as
data is not held locally and the
responsibility for backup is with the
company storing the data.

Question 5

Thin Client disadvantages

Answer 5

The main disadvantage of a thin-client
is the need to be connected to the
internet.

There is also a requirement for a
decent amount of bandwidth as more data
is transferred between client and
server.