Computer Science

Network Architecture
~The configuration of computers, devices and media on a network~
By Shelly Cashman, DC 2018.

Peer-to-peer

A simple, inexpensive network that typically connects fewer than 10 computers.
Each computer, called a peer, has equal responsibilities and capabilities.
Sharing hardware (such as printer), data or information with other computers on the peer-to-peer network.
Each computer stores files on its own storage devices. Thus, each computer on the network contains both the server operating system and application software.
All computers on the network share any peripheral devices attached to any of the computers.
Peer-to-peer networks are ideal for very small bussinesses and home users.
Some operating systems, such as Windows, include a peer-to-peer networking utility that allows users to get up a peer-to-peer network.
Peers are both suppliers and consumers of resources.
Each node is a computer on the network which acts and communicates with other Peers to make a portion of their resources, such as processing power, disk storage or network bandwidth.
Directly available to other network participants, without the need for central coordination by servers or stable hosts.

Client/Server

One or more computers act as a server, and the other computers on the network request services from the server.
Server, sometimes called a host computer, controls access to the hardware, software and the other resources on the network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data and information.
The clients are other computers and mobile devices on the network that rely on the server for its resources.
For example, a server might store a database of customers. Clients on the network can access the customer database on the server.
Client/server architecture works when the client computer sends a resource or process request to the server over the network connection, which is then processed and delivered to the client.

Differences between Client/Server and Peer-to-peer

Category	Client/Server	Peer-to-peer
Definition	one or more computers act as a server, and the other computers on the network request services from the service	Each computer computer , called a peer, has equal responsibilities and capabilities, sharing hardware (such as printer), data or information with other computers on the peer-to-peer network
Size	For medium and large network	For small network fewer than 10 computers
Training	Needs training	Does not need training
Set up	More difficult to set up	Easy to set up
Installation	More expensive to install	Less expensive to install