ICT
Class Work
Differences
Between peer-to-peer and client based networks and how they work.
THE DIFFERENCES
Peer-to-Peer networks
A peer-to-peer network setup consists of workstations like desktops or laptops connected by network cables. Workstations are set up to share files, folders and printer connections depending on users' discretion. There are no dedicated computers to manage other computers. Each workstation stands independently on its own but maintains a shared connection to other workstations to communicate and share files and applications.
Client Server Based Networks
A client server setup has servers, which are dedicated machines that perform specific functions in the network. A server can be used to manage a network's email (mail server), database (database server), files (file server), printers (print server), or access an anti-virus (security server). In a client server setup, each component has a designated function in the network. Servers handle most of the network load, while workstations handle day-to-day tasks of users. This division of labor between components make a client server setup more efficient than a peer-to-peer network.