Client-server+vs.+Peer-to-peer+network

= Client-server vs. Peer-to-peer network = toc

Computer networks are generally categorized as either client/server or peer-to-peer. Client/server is more common, mainly because it can accomodate many more users, but either one can have its advantages.

Client-server
Client-server networks have one or more server computers that provide shared resources to users, and any number of client computers that access the shared resources by connecting to and communicating with the server. Advantages of a client-server over peer-to-peer system include:


 * Resource Sharing: Resources are centrally located, and therefore easier to find and support than on a peer-to-peer network.
 * Security: Central location of resources is better for security. An administrator can configure security in one server, and it will apply to all users.
 * Number of Users: A dedicated server network can support thousands of users. A peer-to-peer network cannot efficiently support more than 10.
 * Backup: Automatic backups can be easily scheduled, even if servers are located in different parts of the network.
 * Redundancy: Though redundancy systems, data can be duplicated and stored online (Lesson 2).

For many networks one server is enough. A public library or small academic library may need just one server. A larger library might require more than one server with specialized functions, such as authentication, mail, application, and file and print servers (Lesson 2).

Peer-to-Peer
In a peer-to-peer network, every computer functions as both a client and a server. Shared resources are distributed across all computers. “The user at each computer determines what data on that computer is shared on the network…” (Lesson 2). Peer-to-peer networks might be a viable alternative if:
 * There are 10 users or fewer.
 * Users share resources, such as files and printers, but no specialized servers exist.
 * Security is not an issue.
 * The organization and the network will experience only limited growth within the foreseeable future” (Lesson 2).

Most libraries would almost certainly have more than 10 user computers. Besides the computers in the library, any number of outside computers and mobile devices could be accessing the network remotely. However, a small branch public library might want to consider a peer-to-peer network. The advantage for them is P2P is usually less expensive and easier to set up than a client-server network. It is simpler because the computers are located at users' desks, and users act as their own administrators and plan their own security. Also “Peer-to-peer networking is built into many operating systems. In those cases, no additional software is required to set up a peer-to-peer network” (Lesson 2). The library would not have to buy a dedicated server computer or new software. No additional software or computers means it saves time and money. If the library has ten or fewer computers, it might be worth considering. But as mentioned earlier, security might be a concern. If the library’s network has remote access, it would need to consult an IT expert one whether security of its data could be maintained.