1.8.Client/Server Networks

• An example of a client/server network is a collection of PCs all sharing files located on a centralized server.

• Client/server networks are commonly used by businesses.

• Because resources are located on one or more servers, administration is simpler than trying to administer network resources on multiple peer devices.

• The performance of a client/server network can be better than that of a peer-to-peer network because resources can be located on dedicated servers rather than on a PC running a variety of end-user applications

1.Client devices (for example, PCs) share a common set of resources (for example, file or print resources) located on one or more dedicated servers.

Benefit: Client/server networks can easily scale, which might require the purchase of additional client licenses.

Drawback : Because multiple clients might rely on a single server for their resources, the single server can become a single point of failure in the network.

2.Resource sharing is made possible via dedicated server hardware and network operating systems.

Benefit : Administration is simplified, because parameters, such as file sharing permissions and other security settings, can be administered on a server as opposed to multiple clients.

Drawback : Client/server networks can cost more than peer-to-pee networks. For example, client/server networks might require the purchase of dedicated server hardware and a network OS with an appropriate number of licenses.