Peer to Peer and Client-Server Architecture

In this section, we will be going to discuss the peer to peer and client-server architecture of a computer network.

Peer to Peer and Client-Server Architecture

In a computer network, the two most prominent network architecture is used to connect two or more computers in order to share network resources and services from one host to another host. They are :

  • Peer to peer architecture
  • Client-server architecture

peer to peer and client-server architecture

Peer to Peer Network

  • In peer to peer network, each node in a network acts as a server as well as a client. Each node on the network is known as a peer.
  • There are no dedicated servers required to provide services to the clients.
  • Each node is capable of requesting services and can also provide the server to other nodes.
  • Peer to peer network is easy to implement and cost-effective.
  • It is ideal for smaller networks comprising of nodes not more than  50 computers such as home networks, small business offices, etc.
  • There is no centralized authority to control the entire network.
  • Security over the peer to peer network is a big issue.

Client-Server Network

  • The centralized dedicated server is available to provide resources and services to the client.
  • The client requests services to the server.
  • Data is managed and stored in a centralized server.
  • The server may overload when it has to handle the simultaneous request from many clients.
  • The client-server model is reliable and robust as compared to peer networks.
  • It is more expensive to implement and need professionals with good knowledge to manage and administer the network.
  • Suitable for a larger network
  • Centralized security to manage all the clients.

 

Difference between Peer to Peer and Client-Server Architecture

Srl.  no Peer to Peer Network Client-Server Network
1 In peer to peer network, every node acts as a client as well as a server. In a client-server network, a dedicated server is deployed to handle the clients.
2 There is no centralized system to control the nodes. The server acts as a centralized system to control all the nodes within the network.
3 Each node holds its data in local storage media. The centralized backup facility is provided to store the data.
4 Each and every node in a peer to peer network perform both request and response services. In a client-server network, client requests for services and servers respond to the client’s request.
5 Peer to peer network is easy to implement The client-server network is more complex and harder to implement.
6 It is suitable for smaller networks. Suitable for larger networks.
7 Peer to peer networks can be established with a low-cost budget. A client-server network is costlier than peer to peer networks.
8 Network security is a major concern in peer to peer network and is more vulnerable to network threats. It provides a centralized security system to manage all the nodes and hence it is more stable than peer to peer to network.
9 Suitable for home networks, small businesses, and small offices. Suitable for a very large network such as an enterprise network having more than thousands of clients.

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