P2P vs. Client Server Networks
A network can either be a peer to peer network or a client server network. To understand the two, a comparison of P2P vs. client server networks is important. Peer to peer network is also called a workgroup network while server-based network is also known as client/server network.
In a P2P network, several computers are connected without a server but they share information, content or resources. The system does not require a central location where users can be authenticated, files stored and resources accessed.
This implies that users have to remember the computers in a workgroup that has information or resources that they are looking for at any particular time. Users are also required to log in to every computer that has the information or resources that they want to access.
Information or resources are generally stored in multiple computers in a P2P network. This means that users have difficulties in tracking the information that they want. Backing up crucial business information is also difficult. For this reason, most small businesses do not have complete backups. In most cases, businesses have different versions of similar files on different PCs in a workgroup.
There are P2P networks where small businesses use a single computer to run the operating system of the client. This can be a Windows X Professional or Windows 98. In this case, the computer acts as a designated “server” in the network. However, despite helping in saving data at a central location, this does not offer a robust solution to the needs of small businesses such as documents collaboration.
A client server network is different. In a client server network, there is a computer that acts as the server and the central location for users to access and share resources in a single network. The data that all computers in the network can access and share is found in a single, central location.
This makes it easier for users to back up crucial business information. Every computer that is connected to a client server network is known as a client computer. In this network, each user has an account and a password that they use in logging in to this server and access the shared resources.
The operating system of the central computer or the server is designed in a way that enables it to handle the operations and loads of the system even when there are multiple client computers accessing the resources. In most client server networks, Windows SBS 2008 is used. This is because it offers a central point where users are authenticated. It also enables the users to access and store information or resources.
In terms of cost, P2P network is more effective than client server network. However, if you have an IT expert to manage it, you can install a client server network. P2P network is suitable for a business that has few employees sharing files and printer occasionally.
Both networks are used in sharing and accessing files, data or resources. They can also be used by small and large organizations depending on their financial capability and file sharing needs.
We can write a comparison essay on P2P vs. client server networks for you
Comparing P2P vs. client server networks brings out the differences and similarities of these networks clearly. However, you must conduct an extensive research to write a comparison essay of the two networks. Nevertheless, we can write this essay for you at Essays Experts upon request.
Sources
http://www.ehow.com/about_5380893_peertopeer-vs-clientserver-networks.html
http://www.americanbar.org/newsletter/publications/gp_solo_magazine_home/gp_solo_magazine_index/tsp97jure1.html
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc527483%28v=ws.10%29.aspx
Understanding the differences between client/server and peer-to-peer networks