Comparing peer-to-peer and client-server network architectures

¶ … Peer-to-peer and Client/Server Networks

A person who works with computers often is likely to come across terms such as "client/server" and "peer-to-peer. These terms usually come up when dealing with network architecture and they are options which assist network administrators, depending on their needs. These two networking options are practically opposed when it comes to functionality and effectiveness (Edwards, 2002, p. 10).

A central server is not needed in a peer-to-peer network and the set-up is based on sharing data in an equal manner, as all the workstations involved have the same role in the network-offering and providing services concomitantly. None of the computers in a peer-to-peer network relate to a main storage with each of them having the same purpose and not requiring confirmation in order to have access to the other computers in the system. In contrast to a peer-to-peer network, one that is client/server-based has users as clients who have access to a series of information that is normally stored on a server unit. The server offers services while the client computers require services. Depending on the server, certain users have access to the information on it while others are restricted (Wai-Sing Loo, 2007, p. 6).

It is typical for peer-to-peer networks to be installed in locations where users collaborate on a regular basis, such as a home or a business with a small number of employees. Because of the low security level coming along with peer-to-peer networks, they should not be installed in places with numerous users (Mueller, 2003, p.1078)

Client/server networks are normally used in big companies, as they can support a large number of users. Most client/server networks present users with complex security measures. The negative aspect of the client/server option is that it can become very expensive (Mueller, p.1077). However, the price/quality ratio justifies its high cost.

Small businesses and private users will do better with peer-to-peer networks because of the fact that there are little risks involved in owning such a network and it does not require a great deal of maintenance. Not only does security become an issue when there are more than ten users involved in a peer-to-peer network, but performance also becomes a problem. Because each user acts as a server in a peer-to-peer network, download and upload can occur slower than it would occur when a central server is present (Edwards, p. 11).

Peer-to-peer networks are effective because they are inexpensive to set and supervise. Also, each user can perform tasks that are characteristic to clients and servers alike, given the fact that they can share and download information at the same time. The only security available when regarding peer-to-peer networks is that clients can control what they share and with who they share it through setting passwords for what they want to share with certain users. However, this is not of the most secure methods of protecting one's information, as any user who knows the password will have access to the restricted information, regardless of their Internet Protocol address (Mueller, p.1077).

While the client/server networks offer a wide range of choices because of the complexity they can employ, the price range and the difficulty related to their safeguarding also vary. Even though they are very complex, they have numerous features in common. The fact that they too can have passwords decreases the chances of security violations (Wai-Sing Loo, 2007, p. 6).