Client-server and peer-to-peer networks

Client-Server Networks

A client-server network is structured around a central server that hosts the files, databases, applications and can also manage other tasks like printer sharing.
The server is a powerful computer that acts as the central hub for the network.
Other computers in the network that request resources or services from the server are known as clients.
Clients and servers communicate with each other via a network, which can be either wired or wireless.
The server responds to requests from clients, handles the processing of tasks, and sends the results back to the requesting client.
Because the server has a considerable amount of processing power, client computers can be less powerful and therefore more economical.
In case of an issue with the server, it may affect the entire network as all clients are dependent for services on the server.
Client-server networks are often used in businesses and schools due to their efficiency and central control elements.

Peer-to-Peer Networks

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network differs from a client-server network because it distributes tasks and resources among equally privileged participants in the network. Each computer in the network is a peer.
In a peer-to-peer network, there is no central server. Each peer can function as both a server and a client, which means any peer can provide and request services.
This decentralised model can make peer-to-peer networks more resilient as there is no single point of failure that can bring down the entire network.
However, they can be less secure as there is not a centralised system to control security.
They are also less suitable for managing large amounts of data or many users due to potential inefficiencies and slow-downs.
Peer-to-peer networks are often used for file sharing, such as BitTorrent, and for applications like Skype.