A network can differ in terms of the roles each device plays in the network. Generally, devices in a network can take up any of two roles:
- a client — a network device initiating a connection to a server requesting for resources and services to perform operations; or
- a server — a network device that shares resources and responds to requests from devices and other servers on the network.
Servers often need a lot of computing power as they need to be able to respond to many requests from many devices at once.
A network can be organised in two ways:
- a client-server network; or
- a peer-to-peer network.
Client-server network
An architecture that has one or more higher-capacity computer acting as servers and other computers acting as clients.
[+]Allows the centralised control of data and resources[+]It is easy to schedule backups of all shared files at regular intervals as only a few computers at most have the files[+]Enhanced security as servers can use specialised software or operating system features to protect themselves[-]Initially costly due to the need of a server[-]Costs needed on administrative tasks and maintenance of server and clients
Peer-to-peer network
An architecture where all computers are considered equals and the load is distributed among all computers. Computers in a peer-to-peer network are able to act as both clients and servers.
[+]Cheaper to set up as no cost is incurred on servers[+]Easy to set up as no specialised software or operating system features are needed[-]More effort is needed to access and back up resources as they are distributed across computers[-]Reduced security as access rights are not administered by a central server