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Types Of Computer Networking
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Published: October 26, 2006
Computer networks afford greater conveniences than many realize. They link computers within an office or library, making it possible to share files and other information. They even connect PCs to the Internet. But what exactly is a network in the first place?
In simply terms, a network provides the means to allow computers to communicate with one another. Three principal network configurations exist based on the various needs and purposes of users: peer-to-peer, client-server and application-server.
Peer-to-peer networks involve a configuration of various computers allowing others to use its peripherals, such as printers or CDROM drives, as well as read or write to its hard disk in order to share files. Peer-to-peer networks are relatively cheap to establish since most computers posses the capability to share items with other network users. However, these types of networks pose certain security challenges since, in many cases, users have the same password. Also, one may find it difficult to retrieve certain files since important documents tend to be stored on different hard disks on different computers as opposed to a single location.
Client-server networks involve a server computer which services various other computers. With this setup, users can worry less about security issues, since only one server processes information for the other users in the network. Because of this, a single username and password for each user on the network suffices. Also, since users save all information on a single server, one can retrieve that information much easier than if they had to search through the various computers of a peer-to-peer network. However, this setup can get costly. And there is always the threat of the server crashing. For this reason, experts recommend a backup server for emergencies.
Application-server networks, or terminal-server networks, involve one main server and several dumb terminals. Dumb terminals means these network computers do not actually process information; they simply provide input and show the display on the monitor. This type of network ideally suits a public space in which users need only to perform word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail activities. Such a setup can be cost effective, with savings as high as tens of thousands of dollars, even on a smaller network of 10 to 20 computers.
Each type of network configuration possesses traits and characteristics suitable for different situations. A person seeking to establish a computer network, whether it be for a business office, hospital or public library, must carefully assess the needs and preferences of potential users in determining the ideal network setup.
Sources:
Basic Network Types. 2005. SuSE Linux Enterprise Server. 22 Oct 2006 .
Networks explained. 2006. The NOSPIN Group, Inc. 22 Oct 2006 .
In simply terms, a network provides the means to allow computers to communicate with one another. Three principal network configurations exist based on the various needs and purposes of users: peer-to-peer, client-server and application-server.
Peer-to-peer networks involve a configuration of various computers allowing others to use its peripherals, such as printers or CDROM drives, as well as read or write to its hard disk in order to share files. Peer-to-peer networks are relatively cheap to establish since most computers posses the capability to share items with other network users. However, these types of networks pose certain security challenges since, in many cases, users have the same password. Also, one may find it difficult to retrieve certain files since important documents tend to be stored on different hard disks on different computers as opposed to a single location.
Client-server networks involve a server computer which services various other computers. With this setup, users can worry less about security issues, since only one server processes information for the other users in the network. Because of this, a single username and password for each user on the network suffices. Also, since users save all information on a single server, one can retrieve that information much easier than if they had to search through the various computers of a peer-to-peer network. However, this setup can get costly. And there is always the threat of the server crashing. For this reason, experts recommend a backup server for emergencies.
Application-server networks, or terminal-server networks, involve one main server and several dumb terminals. Dumb terminals means these network computers do not actually process information; they simply provide input and show the display on the monitor. This type of network ideally suits a public space in which users need only to perform word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail activities. Such a setup can be cost effective, with savings as high as tens of thousands of dollars, even on a smaller network of 10 to 20 computers.
Each type of network configuration possesses traits and characteristics suitable for different situations. A person seeking to establish a computer network, whether it be for a business office, hospital or public library, must carefully assess the needs and preferences of potential users in determining the ideal network setup.
Sources:
Basic Network Types. 2005. SuSE Linux Enterprise Server. 22 Oct 2006 .
Networks explained. 2006. The NOSPIN Group, Inc. 22 Oct 2006 .
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