Client server and peer to peer

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Client server networking

A client server is when several computers known as clients are connected to one powerful server. Each client is able to store files on its local computer but is also able to store files on a the central server while gaining accsees to the files as well. Most commonly a large organistaion would usaully have serval servers that all carry out different tasks. This can help with relieving stress of one serve having to do all of the work.

Typical roles for a server

File Server: holds/manages data for all clients

Print Server: manages print requests

Web Server: manages requests to access the Web

Mail Server: manages the e-mail system

Database Server: manages database applications

Advantages

Better security, all files stored centrally and access rights managed by server.

Backups done centrally, no need for individual users to backup their data. If data is lost, recovery procedures will enable it to be restored.

Data/resources can be shared.

Disadvantages

Expensive to install and manage.

Professional staff needed to maintain serves and run the network.

Peer-to-peer networking

A peer-to-peer network does not require a central server to be involved. The way that computers shares files in this network is by each individual compuer is connected to each other to allow file sharing to be possible in this type of network. Peer-to-peer networks are used by companies that provide some sort of video service. This is how torrent websites work by sharing files in this manor.
In small Local Area Networks (LAN) a peer-to-peer network would be a good choice because :

They are cheap to set up

Allows computers to share resources such as a printer or a router

It isn't difficult to maintain

Advantages

If there is a large video that needs to be stored, severak computers can help by sharing small parts of that video. This can releive the load of storing a large video on only one computer

Disadvantages

A problem can start to occur when lots of people want to download the same file at the same time

Processing Data

Why use server-side processing

Server-side processing often processes very large volumes of data and can process the information much faster than a client machine.
In order for most server-side processes to function a specific language would be used such as SQL or PHP.

Why use client side processing

A client machine may have some sort of special software in order for it to process information.
Also by using client side processing you will be reducing the load on the server's processor as well as improving the security as
it can prevent from unnecessary data transfers from taking place, which may hold inofmration that can expose personal infiormation.

Comparison

Thin-clients vs Thick-clients

The thickness of a client computer refers to the level of processing and storage that it does compared with the server. The more processing and storage that a server does, the thinner the client becomes. If all the processing and storage is done by the server, then all that is needed for the client is a very basic machine with very little processor power and no storage, this is often known as a dumb terminal.
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