What is a Client Server Network?

The type of computing system, in which one powerful workstation serves the
requests of other systems, is an example of client server technology. A computer
network is an interconnection of computers which share various resources.
What is computer server?
A computer server is the powerful computer, or the set of computers connected
to each other, which provide services to other systems. They usually have
database integrated in them, and are very powerful machines with very
advanced configuration. They process the requests of client machines. Their role
is to make management of network easy and uniform.
Features of Servers:1) They have large storage capacity.
2) They are able to provide information to many computers simultaneously,
therefore have large RAM.
3) Its processor speed is high, as it may have to execute multi-tasking too.
What are clients in client-server model?
Clients are the individual components which are connected in a network. They
have a basic configuration. Client sends a request/query to server and server
responds accordingly. Please note that the client doesn't share any of its
resources. They are subordinates to servers, and their access rights are defined
by servers only. They have localized databases.
Client Server Diagram

Components of Client Server Network

1) Clients or Workstations.
2) Servers.
3) Network Devices: They connect the clients and servers, and at the same time
ensure proper collision free routing of information.
4) Other components like scanner, printer, etc can also be connected to network
architecture.
Advantages of Client Server Networks over Peer to Peer Networks
1) Centralization: Unlike P2P, where there is no central administration, here in
this architecture there is a centralized control. Servers help in administering
the whole set-up. Access rights and resource allocation is done by Servers.
2) Proper Management: All the files are stored at the same place. In this way,
management of files becomes easy. Also it becomes easier to find files.
3) Back-up and Recovery possible: As all the data is stored on server its
easy to make a back-up of it. Also, in case of some break-down if data is lost,
it can be recovered easily and efficiently. While in peer computing we have to
take back-up at every workstation.
4) Up-gradation and Scalability in Client-server set-up: Changes can be
made easily by just upgrading the server. Also new resources and systems
can be added by making necessary changes in server.
5) Accessibility: From various platforms in the network, server can be accessed
remotely. As new information is uploaded in data base, each workstation need
not have its own storage capacities increased (as may be the case in peer-topeer systems). All the changes are made only in central computer on which
server database exists.
6) Security: Rules defining security and access rights can be defined at the
time of set-up of server. Servers can play different roles for different clients.

Disadvantages of Client Server Architecture v/s P-2-P Technology

1) Congestion in Network: Too many requests from the clients may lead to
congestion, which rarely takes place in P2P network. Overload can lead to
breaking-down of servers. In peer-to-peer, the total bandwidth of the network
increases as the number of peers increase.
2) Client-Server architecture is not as robust as a P2P and if the server fails,
the whole network goes down. Also, if you are downloading a file from server
and it gets abandoned due to some error, download stops altogether.
However, if there would have been peers, they would have provided the
broken parts of file.
3) Cost: It is very expensive to install and manage this type of computing.
4) You need professional IT people to maintain the servers and other
technical details of network.
It can the summarized that client-server model is not used in small scale
networks and networks where security is not a big issue.

What is Peer-to-Peer?
In Peer to Peer (or P2P) network each of the participation workstation (computer)
has same (equivalent) privileges, capabilities and responsibilities. This type of
network architecture is completely different from client/server architectures.
In Client Server Architectures, some computers store information and have
access to resources, which other computers in network can access through them.
These computers or machines with extra privileges are called Servers and
dedicatedly serve clients.

P2P Network

In Peer-to-peer (P2P) networking the need for central servers is eliminated, and
all computers interact and share resources as equals. Thus it can be said P2P
architecture
is
the
alternative
to server-client
network design.
Each
communication
node
has
both
server
and
client
capabilities.
This peer-2-peer application structure was first popularized by file sharing
systems like Napster. P2P is especially popular in homes where an expensive,
dedicated server computer is neither necessary nor practical. Peer-to-peer
networks are generally simpler, but their performance usually decreases when
there is heavy load. This type of file transfer system is decentralized and allows a
user to search through all the linked computers for desired file. To use P2P, a
user should download P2P software on his machine and configure it. Torrents use
this technology effectively.
Advantages
of
networking are:

Peer-to-peer

networking

over ClientServer

1) It is easy to install and so is the configuration of computers on this network.

2) All the resources and contents are shared by all the peers, unlike server-client
architecture where Server shares all the contents and resources.

3) P2P is more reliable as central dependency is eliminated. Failure of one peer

doesnt affect the functioning of other peers. In case of Client Server
network, if server goes down whole network gets affected.
4) There is no need for full-time System Administrator. Every user is the
administrator of his machine. User can control their shared resources.
5) The over-all cost of building and maintaining this type of network is
comparatively
very
less.
Disadvantages (drawbacks) of Peer to peer architecture over Client
Server are:
1) In this network, the whole system is decentralized. Thus, it is difficult to
administer, i.e., one person cannot determine the whole accessibility setting
of whole network.
2) Security in this system is very less. Viruses, spywares, Trojans, etc. malwares
can be easily transmitted over this P-2-P architecture.
3) Data recovery or backup is very difficult. Each computer should have its own
back-up system.
4) Lot of movies, music and other copyrighted files are transferred using this
type of file transfer. P2P is the technology used in torrents.
Peer to peer networks are good to connect small number (around 10) of
computer and places where high level of security is not required. In case of
business network where sensitive data can be present this type of architecture is
not advisable or preferred.

What does Network Computing mean?

Network computing refers to the use of computers and other devices in a linked
network, rather than as unconnected, stand-alone devices. As computing
technology has progressed during the last few decades, network computing has
become more frequent, especially with the creation of cheap and relatively
simple consumer products such as wireless routers, which turn the typical home
computer setup into a local area network.
In network computing, computers often share broadband and other resources.
Many larger business networks also share hard drive space, where any
networked computer has access to the same data through a server or other
hardware setup. Networking can be a more efficient way to deliver more
functionality to a large number of computers or devices. In some cases, for
example, a network may allow for lower software licensing fees than buying the
software for a specific number of stand-alone devices.
More recent developments have made network computing more sophisticated.
One is the process of network virtualization, where hardware networks may be
logically partitioned. Another is cloud computing, where the shared network
resources can be located remotely for greater data security.
The ability to exchange data and communicate efficiently is the main purpose of
networking computers. But we have to consider beyond these points to evaluate
the feasibility of networking for our own advantages.

A computer network can be identified as a group of computers that are

interconnected for sharing data between them or their users. There is a wide
variety of networks and their advantages and disadvantages mainly depend on
the type of network.
Advantages of Computer Networking
1. Easy Communication and Speed:
It is very easy to communicate through a network. People can communicate
efficiently using a network with a group of people. They can enjoy the benefit of
emails, instant messaging, telephony, video conferencing, chat rooms, etc.
2. Ability to Share Files, Data and Information:
This is one of the major advantages of networking computers. People can find
and share information and data because of networking. This is beneficial for
large organizations to maintain their data in an organized manner and facilitate
access for desired people.
3. Sharing Hardware:
Another important advantage of networking is the ability to share hardware. For
an example, a printer can be shared among the users in a network so that
theres no need to have individual printers for each and every computer in the
company. This will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing hardware.
4. Sharing Software:
Users can share software within the network easily. Networkable versions of
software are available at considerable savings compared to individually licensed
version of the same software. Therefore large companies can reduce the cost of
buying software by networking their computers.
5. Security
Sensitive files and programs on a network can be password protected. Then
those files can only be accessed by the authorized users. This is another
important advantage of networking when there are concerns about security
issues. Also each and every user has their own set of privileges to prevent them
accessing restricted files and programs.
6. Speed
Sharing and transferring files within networks is very rapid, depending on the
type of network. This will save time while maintaining the integrity of files.
Disadvantages of Networking
1. Breakdowns and Possible Loss of Resources
One major disadvantage of networking is the breakdown of the whole network
due to an issue of the server. Such breakdowns are frequent in networks causing
losses of thousands of dollars each year. Therefore once established it is vital to
maintain it properly to prevent such disastrous breakdowns. The worst scenario
is such breakdowns may lead to loss of important data of the server.
2. Expensive to Build

Building a network is a serious business in many occasions, especially for large

scale organizations. Cables and other hardware are very pricey to buy and
replace.
3. Security Threats
Security threats are always problems with large networks. There are hackers who
are trying to steal valuable data of large companies for their own benefit. So it is
necessary to take utmost care to facilitate the required security measures.
4. Bandwidth Issues
In a network there are users who consume a lot more bandwidth than others.
Because of this some other people may experience difficulties.
Although there are disadvantages to networking, it is a vital need in todays
environment. People need to access the Internet, communicate and share
information and they cant live without that. Therefore engineers need to find
alternatives and improved technologies to overcome issues associated with
networking. Therefore we can say that computer networking is always beneficial
to have even if there are some drawbacks.