The Benefits and Disadvantages of Peer-To-Peer Networks and Client /Server Networks

Peer-To-Peer Networks

Peer to peer networks are where each computer on a network can act as a server for each other. This is useful as it allows file sharing and sharing peripherals like printers without having to use a central server.

Benefits

As there is no need for an expensive server this will save money. Each of the individual computers will be able to interact with one another through the peer to peer network which means a main server is not required, this will benefit a company or organisation as they won’t need to take up time to buy install and keep a server running, it will also save the company money as they don’t have to pay someone to maintain the server.

Another advantage of peer to peer networks is that because all of the computers are connected to one another, they can email each other and send each other files without the use of the internet. This can be very beneficial as if the internet within a company stops working, users are still able to send and receive information thanks to the peer to peer network.

In addition to this if one computer was to malfunction or break then this will not affect the other computers on the network as they will still be able to send and receive information from one another. However files that were on that specific computer cannot be accessed which may become a problem.

Disadvantages

As there is no central server the files on the network cannot be backed up. This can become very problematic as if a computer on the network breaks then the files on it could possibly lost. One way to back up the files however would be to do it manually, for example external hard drives could be used or even use a cloud server like OneNote or google drive.

Another disadvantage of peer to peer networks is that if a virus is uploaded to one of the computers it can very easily copy itself onto all of the computers that are on the network. It is important to ensure that everyone who is using the network is responsible for their workstation this means they need to be careful of what they are downloading or they could possibly upload a virus to the whole network.

On a peer to peer network there is very little security except for permissions and users often don’t have to log onto their workstations. This can become a problem as someone could very easily access the network if there is no usernames or passwords, not only is it illegal to gain unauthorised access to a computer system without permission this person could steal personal details on employees or customers and use them for the their own personal gain.

Client/Server Networks

A client/server network is a central computer known as a server that allows all the computers or end users to access files from it. An example of one of these end users is a Xbox or PlayStation. When the user goes online on of these consoles they are using a server in order to interact with other end users.

Benefits

One of the main benefits of using a client/server network is that all the files are stored in a central location. This is very useful as it means that a user can log onto any computer that is connected to the server and access their files from that computer. Furthermore any peripherals can be connected to the network which means that any computer that is connected to the network can use that peripheral. For example if a printer is connected to the network then any computer on the network can use it.

Furthermore another very important benefit of using this network is that all backups and network security are controlled from the central server. This is very useful as all backups for all the computers with in a network can be done in one location, this helps save time and money as users won’t have to take time out of their work to allow for backups. The security is also very useful as it can be done in one location as well which saves time and money.

Users are also able to share data that will allow anyone to access it that are on the network. This is very beneficial as users can share ideas with one another as well as obtain data without having to use email or a pen drive. These servers also use a username and password to log into which is useful as it will be harder for someone to gain unauthorised access without knowing this information.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of using this type of network however is that a specialist network operating system is needed which can be expensive and time consuming as it has to be installed to the server and the computers on the network. In addition to this the server will be expensive as it has to be high performance as it will have a lot of computers running from it, trying to upload and download files from it as well.

Furthermore specialist staff will need to be hired and trained in order to keep the server running and fix any problems that may occur. This is a drawback as they will have to hire this person on a full time basis just to keep the computer system running. As this person is specialised in a certain area as well they will be expensive to keep employed. Also when they book holidays of someone will need to be brought in temporarily just to keep the network running on a daily basis.

In addition to this if one of the parts of the network fails, they whole network can suffer as it may not allow the rest of the network to run as fast or not allow it to success certain areas. This can be problematic as it can slow down the workflow which is never good when users are working towards a deadline. When something goes wrong the specialist must fix the problem quickly to allow the workflow to return to normal.