What are peer to peer networks, client server networks, hybrid networks and what are the basis relationship of network classification with advantages and disadvantages?

Network Classification on the basis of Relationship

On the basis of relationship between the different devices of the network, there are three types of networks:

1. Peer to Peer Networks

2. Client Sever Networks

3. Hybrid Networks

These two networks differ in terms of control capability of devices of network. Both these implementations require special software called Network Operating system that determines the control and flow of information between the devices.

1.      Peer to Peer Networks

·        In Peer to peer networks, all the devices have same status in the network and share the link equally as shown in fig. 1.16.

·        In such networks there is no master or controller or server. .

·        Each device is responsible for setting up and maintaining its own security i.e each device acts as client and server of its own

·        Peer to peer relationship is suitable for small networks having less than 10 computers on a single LAN.

 Advantages of Peer to Peer Networks

Peer to peer networks have following advantages:

1. Such networks are easy to set up and maintain as each computer manages itself

2. It eliminates extra cost required in setting up the server.

3. Since each device is master of its own, they are not dependent on other computers for their operations.

Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Networks

1. In peer-to-peer network, the absence of centralized server make it difficult to backup data as data is located on different workstations.

2. Security is weak as each system manages itself only.

3. There is no central point of data storage for file archiving.

2. Client-Server Networks  

·        In such networks, there exists a central controller called server. A server is a specialized computer that controls the network resources and provides services to other computers in the network.

·        All other computers in the network are called clients. A client computer receives the requested services from a server.

·        All the clients communicate with each other via centralized server as shown in diagram

·        If client 1 wants to send data to client 2, it first sends request to server to seek permission for it. The server then sends a signal to client 1 allowing it to initiate the communication.

·        A server is also responsible for managing all the network resources such as files, directories, applications & shared devices like printer etc.

·        If any of the clients wants to access these services, it first seeks permission from the server by sending a request.

·        Most Local Area Networks are based on client server relationship.

Advantages of Client Server Networks

1. Centralized back up is possible.

2. Use of dedicated server improves the performance of whole system.

3. Security is better in these networks as all the shared resources are centrally administered

4. Use of dedicated servers also increases the speed of sharing resources.

Disadvantages of Client Server Networks

1. It requires specialized servers with large memory and secondary storage This leads to increase in the cost.

2. The cost of network operating system that manages the various clients is also

3. Jtrequires dedicated network administrator

3. Hybrid Network

·        Hybrid networks are the networks that are based on both peer-to-peer & client-server relationship

·        Hybrid networks incorporate the best Seatures of workgroups in peer-to-peer networks with the performance, security and reliability of server-based .

·        Hybrid networks still provide all of the centralized services of servers, but they also allow users to share and manage their own resources within th workgroup.

Advantages of Hybrid Network

1. Client Server application are still centrally located and managed

2. Users can assign local access to resources in their computers

3. Workgroups can manage resources without requiring assistance from network administrator

Disadvantages of Hybrid Network

1. Users may need to remember multiple passwords.

2. Files can be duplicated and changes overwritten between the computer with the shared folder and the Server

3. Files saved on the workstation are not backed up.