2 Communication
1. 2.1 Networks including the internet
2.1 Networks including the internet
Candidates should be able to:
• Show understanding of the purpose and benefits of
networking devices
• Show understanding of the characteristics of a LAN (local
area network) and a WAN (wide area network)
• Explain the client-server and peer-to-peer models of
networked computers
• Describe the hardware that is used to support a LAN
Introduction to Computer Network
What is a computer network and purpose of computer network ?
A computer network consists of two or more computers that are linked in
order to share resources such as printers and CD-ROMs, exchange files, or
allow electronic communications.
The computers on a computer network may be linked through cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
Benefits of computer networks
• File sharing – you can easily share data between different users, or
access it remotely if you keep it on other connected devices.
• Resource sharing – using network-connected peripheral devices
like printers, scanners and copiers, or sharing software between
multiple users, saves money.
• Sharing a single internet connection – it is cost-efficient and can
help protect your systems if you properly secure the network.
• Increasing storage capacity – you can access files and multimedia,
such as images and music, which you store remotely on other
machines or network-attached storage devices.
• Data transfer and e-mail: Data and network file transfer is an
important feature of modern LANs not only transmit files, data,
information, but also can send voice, images.
• Easy to distributed processing: Distributed processing is a setup in
which multiple individual central processing units (CPU) work on the
same programs, functions or systems to provide more capability for a
computer or other device.
» Licences to run software on networks are often far cheaper than
buying licences for an equivalent number of stand-alone computers.
» Access to reliable data that comes from a central source, such as a
file server.
» Data and files can be backed up centrally at the end of each day.
» Users can communicate using email and instant messaging.
» A network manager can oversee the network and, for example, apply
access rights to certain files, or restrict access to external networks,
such as the internet.
There are also a number of drawbacks:
» Cabling and servers can be an expensive initial outlay.
» Managing a large network can be a complex and difficult task.
» A breakdown of devices, such as the file servers, can affect the whole
network.
» Malware and hacking can affect entire networks (particularly if a LAN is
part of a much larger WAN), although firewalls do afford some
protection in this respect.
Class quiz
1. Explain the purpose of computer networking.
2. Identify the benefits of networking computers
Networked computers
Networked computers form an infrastructure which enables internal and
external communications to take place.
The infrastructure includes the following:
Hardware
» LAN cards
» routers
» switches
» wireless routers
» cabling
Software
» operation and management of the network
» operation of firewalls
» security applications/utilities
Services
» DSL
» satellite communication channels
» wireless protocols
» IP addressing.
Networks can be categorised as private or public.
Private networks are owned by a single company or organisation (they are
often LANs or intranets with restricted user access, for example,
passwords and user ids are required to join the network); the companies
are responsible for the purchase of their own equipment and software,
maintenance of the network and the hiring and training of staff.
Public networks are owned by a communications carrier company (such as
a telecoms company); many organisations will use the network and there are
usually no specific password requirements to enter the network.
What is LAN?
Local area networks (LANs)
LANs are usually contained within one building, or within a small
geographical area.
A typical LAN consists of a number of computers and devices (such as
printers) connected to hubs or switches.
One of the hubs or switches is usually connected to a router and/or modem
to allow the LAN to connect to the internet or become part of a wide area
network (WAN).
What is Local Area Network | features and characteristics
• Local Area Network is localize computer network used for
communication between host systems,
• In LAN each device shared the same IP address scheme.
• For example if we are using a network 172.16.0.0/24 then all the IP
devices computer, printers, IP phones etc have the IP from same
network-range.
• LAN (Local Area Network) refers to a particular region interconnected by
multiple computers into computer groups.
• “A region” refers to the same office, the same building, the same company
and in the same schools, generally within a radius of several kilometers.
• It can provide different services like document management, application
software sharing, printer sharing, scanner sharing, workgroup scheduling,
e-mail and fax communications services and other VOIP and unified
communication.
• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices
which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home,
and office building.
• It is a widely useful network for sharing resources like files, printers,
games, and other application.
• The simplest type of LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in
someone's home or office.
• In general, LAN will be used as one type of transmission medium.
• It is a network which consists of less than 5000 interconnected devices
across several buildings.
LAN has the following characteristics:
•
Coverage area is generally a few kilometers.
•
Using different dedicated transmission medium it can achieve the
transmission rate of 1 Mb/s to 100 Mbit / sec or higher, with the further
development of LAN technology is currently being developed toward
higher speed (e.g. 155Mbps, 655Mbps and 1000Mbps etc.).
•
In LAN multiple devices to share a transmission medium.
•
Can use the different topology mainly bus, star and ring in LAN.
•
The communication quality is better IN LAN, the transmission error rate
are low as compare to WAN.
•
LAN support a variety of communications transmission medium such as
a Ethernet cable (thin cable, thick cable, and twisted pair), fiber and
wireless transmission.
•
A LAN usually has low cost, installation, expansion and maintenance
and LAN installation is relatively simple, good scalability.
•
•
It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.
LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN
systems.
•
There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring
and ethernet.
Advantages of LAN
Benefits of using LAN
•
Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can
share local area networks. This significantly reduces the cost of
hardware purchases.
•
You can use the same software over the network instead of
purchasing the licensed software for each client in the network.
•
Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of
the server computer.
•
You can easily transfer data and messages over networked
computers.
•
It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes
data more secure.
•
Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet
connection among all the LAN users
Wireless LANs (WLANs)
Wireless LANs (WLANs) are similar to LANs but there are no wires or cables.
WLANs provide wireless network communications over fairly short distances
(up to 100 metres) using radio or infrared signals
Devices, known as wireless access points (WAPs), are connected into the wired
network at fixed locations.
Because of the limited range, most commercial LANs (such as those on a college
campus or at an airport) need several WAPs to permit uninterrupted wireless
communications.
The WAPs use either spread spectrum technology (which is a wideband radio
frequency with a range from a few metres to 100 metres) or infrared (which has
a very short range of about 1 to 2 metres and is easily blocked, and therefore has
limited use
The WAP receives and transmits data between the WLAN and the wired
network structure.
End users access the WLAN through wireless LAN adapters which are built into
the devices or as a plug in module.
Wireless local area networks (WLAN)
Describe the hardware that is used to support a LAN
Including
• switch,
• server,
• Network Interface Card (NIC),
• Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC),
• Wireless Access Points (WAP),
• cables,
• bridge,
• repeater
Hardware used for creating LAN:
The basic device used for creating a local area network is Switch, which
is used for connecting the different nodes among each other.
There are two ways for connecting the device with a LAN i.e.
1. Physically wired cables using RJ45 connector
2. Wireless LAN
They other devices for LAN includes servers and *routers.
*Routers are used for connecting different LANs or used for enabling
different services within the LAN.
For providing the different services and application access, we use
servers with the LAN.
Hardware used for creating LAN:
Comparisons between cable types
A network cable can be twisted pair, coaxial or fibre-optic.
The twisted pair and coaxial cables both use copper for the transmission medium.
The fibre-optic cable uses glass or plastic to transmit data in the form of light.
In discussing suitability for a given application there are a number of factors to
consider.
One of these is the cost of the cable and connecting devices.
Another is the best bandwidth that can be achieved. The bandwidth governs the
possible data transmission rate.
There are then two factors that can cause poor performance: the likelihood of
interference affecting transmitted signals and the extent of attenuation
(deterioration of the signal) when high frequencies are transmitted.
Wireless access point
In computer networking, a wireless access
point (WAP), or more generally just access point (AP),
is a networking hardware device that allows other WiFi devices to connect to a wired network.
As a standalone device, the AP may have a wired connection to
a router, but, in a wireless router, it can also be an integral component of
the router itself.
An AP is differentiated from a hotspot which is a physical location where
Wi-Fi access is available.
A hotspot is a physical location where people may obtain Internet access,
typically using Wi-Fi technology, via a wireless local-area network (WLAN)
using a router connected to an Internet service provider.
Repeaters
Repeaters are network devices operating at physical layer of the OSI model
that amplify or regenerate an incoming signal before retransmitting it. They
are incorporated in networks to expand its coverage area. They are also
known as signal boosters.
Why are Repeaters needed?
When an electrical signal is transmitted via a channel, it gets attenuated
depending upon the nature of the channel or the technology. This poses a
limitation upon the length of the LAN or coverage area of cellular
networks. This problem is alleviated by installing repeaters at certain
intervals.
Repeaters amplifies the attenuated signal and then retransmits it. Digital
repeaters can even reconstruct signals distorted by transmission loss.
So, repeaters are popularly incorporated to connect between two LANs
thus forming a large single LAN. This is shown in the following diagram −
Class quiz
1. What is a LAN.
2. Identify the benefits of LAN
3. State three hardware needed to setup a LAN.
Exam-style Questions
1 A new company has been established. It has bought some new premises which
consist of a number of buildings on a single site. It has decided that all of the
computer workstations in the different buildings need to be networked. They are
considering ways in which the network might be set up.
a One option they are considering is to use cabling for the network and to install it
themselves.
i Identify the three types of cabling that they might consider.
[2]
ii Explain two factors, other than cost, that they need to consider when
choosing suitable cabling.
[4]
b Another option they are considering is to use wireless technology for at least
part of the network.
i Explain one option that might be suitable for wireless networking.
[2]
ii Identify one advantage, other than cost, of using wireless rather than cable
networking.
[1]
iii Identify one disadvantage (other than cost) of using wireless rather than cable
networking.
[1]
(a) i Identify the three types of cabling that they might consider.
•
•
•
[2]
Twisted pair
Coaxial
Fibre optics
ii Explain two factors, other than cost, that they need to consider when choosing
suitable cabling.
•
•
•
Interference
Bandwidth
Attenuation
[4]
b Another option they are considering is to use wireless technology for at least part
of the network.
i Explain one option that might be suitable for wireless networking.
[2]
• Radio frequency : a range from a few metres to 100 metres
• Infrared : very short range of about 1 to 2 metres and is easily blocked
ii Identify one advantage, other than cost, of using wireless rather than cable
networking.
• Allows mobility
[1]
iii Identify one disadvantage (other than cost) of using wireless rather than cable
networking.
• Less secure
[1]
What is WAN?
Wide area networks (WANs) are used when computers or networks are situated
a long distance from each other (for example, they may be in different cities or
on different continents).
If a number of LANs are joined together using a router or modem, they can form a
WAN.
The network of automated teller machines (ATMs) used by banks is one of the
most common examples of the use of a WAN.
Because of the long distances between devices, WANs usually make use of a
public communications network (such as telephone lines or satellites), but they
can use dedicated or leased communication lines which can be less expensive
and more secure (less risk of hacking, for example).
A typical WAN will consist of end systems and intermediate systems, as shown
in Figure 2.3. 1, 3, 7 and 10 are known as end systems, and the remainder are
known as intermediate systems.
The distance between each system can be considerable, especially if the WAN is run
by a multi-national company.
• WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which is spread across a
large geographical area.
• WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which connects with other LAN's using
telephone lines and radio waves.
• It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.
• A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a large geographical area
comprising a region, a country, a continent or even the whole world.
• WAN includes the technologies to transmit data, image, audio and video information over long
distances and among different LANs and MANs.
Characteristics of LAN:
• The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can access to the latest files.
• Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.
WAN has the following characteristics:
• WANs have a large capacity, connecting a large number of computers over a
large area, and are inherently scalable.
• They facilitate the sharing of regional resources.
• They provide uplinks for connecting LANs and MANs to the Internet.
• Communication links are provided by public carriers like telephone networks,
network providers, cable systems, satellites etc
Example of WAN
• The Internet
• 4G Mobile Broadband Systems
• A network of bank cash dispensers.
Advantages of WAN
•
WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore
business offices situated at longer distances can easily
communicate.
•
Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers,
gaming consoles, etc.
•
WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built
into client devices
WAN Devices
In terms of components, the WAN connection typically looks like this:
We can define the following devices:
•
•
•
•
Routers
CSU/DSU
WAN switches
Core routers
•
CPE (Customer Premises Equipment – these are the devices that are
used by the subscriber to connect to the service provider.
•
DCE (Data Communications Equipment) – this is the device that is
used to terminate data to the local loop. This means that it gets data
from the DTE devices such as the router and converts it into a form
that can be transmitted over the physical medium of the ISP.
•
DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) – this are the devices that get the
data from the DCE and transmit them to the inside network, typically,
a router is usually the DTE device.
•
Demarcation point – this is the point in the network where the service
provider and the customer have agreed upon as to where
responsibility for the WAN connection changes. It can be described as
a border between the ISP and the CUSTOMER.
•
Local loop – the cables that connect the CPE to the service provider
is called the local loop. Typically, this can be a cable that connects the
company from the main cabling closet to the main trunk cable.
•
Central Office – this is a building that is used by an ISP to provide
services to a particular area.
DTE (Data Terminal Equipment
ISP network
DCE (Data Communications Equipment)
Local Central Office
Demarcation point
Local loop
WAN Link Options
In choosing, a wide area network service, it is important to understand the
categories and their advantages and disadvantages. One of the criteria to
compare is cost versus availability and bandwidth, and so dedicated lines will be
exactly that. Dedicated point-to-point links typically are leased from a carrier.
That is why they are called leased lines, and their use is typically linked to the
willingness of users to pay for these dedicated lines. Switched options are
typically shared networks that will be less costly in terms of data
communications.
A CSU/DSU (channel service unit/data service unit) is a digitalinterface device used to connect data terminal equipment (DTE), such
as a router, to a digital circuit, such as a Digital Signal 1 (DS1) T1 line.
The CSU/DSU implements two different functions. The channel
service unit (CSU) is responsible for the connection to the
telecommunication network, while the data service unit (DSU) is
responsible for managing the interface with the DTE.
A CSU/DSU is the equivalent of the modem for an entire LAN. The
Data Communications Equipment (DCE) , commonly a modem or
CSU/DSU, is the device used to convert the user data from the DTE
into a form acceptable to the WAN service provider transmission link.
The following is used as a guide for deciding the ‘size’ of a network:
WAN: 100 km to over 1000 km
MAN: 1 km to 100 km
LAN: 10 m to 1000 m
PAN: 1 m to 10 m (this is not a commonly used term – it means personal area
network; in other words, a home system)
Class quiz
1. What is a WAN.
2. Identify the benefits of WAN
3. State three hardware needed to setup a WAN.
The client-server model of networked computers
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Client/Server Networking
A computer network is referred to as client/server if (at least) one of the
computers is used to "serve" other computers referred to as "clients".
Difference between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Network
Client-Server Network:
This model are broadly used network model. In Client-Server Network, Clients
and server are differentiated, Specific server and clients are present. In ClientServer Network, Centralized server is used to store the data because its
management is centralized.In Client-Server Network, Server respond the
services which is request by Client.
Peer-to-Peer Network:
This model does not differentiate the clients and the servers, In this each and
every node is itself client and server. In Peer-to-Peer Network, Each and every
node can do both request and respond for the services.
Difference between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Network:
NO
Client-Server Network
Peer-to-Peer Network
1.
In Client-Server Network, Clients and
server are differentiated, Specific server
and clients are present.
In Peer-to-Peer Network, Clients and server are
not differentiated.
2.
Client-Server Network focuses on
information sharing.
While Peer-to-Peer Network focuses on
connectivity.
3.
In Client-Server Network, Centralized
server is used to store the data.
While in Peer-to-Peer Network, Each peer has its
own data.
4.
In Client-Server Network, Server
While in Peer-to-Peer Network, Each and every
respond the services which is request by node can do both request and respond for the
Client.
services.
5.
Client-Server Network are costlier than While Peer-to-Peer Network are less costlier
Peer-to-Peer Network.
than Client-Server Network.
6.
Client-Server Network are more stable
than Peer-to-Peer Network.
7.
While Peer-to-Peer Network is generally suited
Client-Server Network is used for both
for small networks with fewer than 10
small and large networks.
computers.
While Peer-to-Peer Network are less stable if
number of peer is increase.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
One of the particularities of a client/server network is that the files and
resources are centralized.
This means that a computer, the server, can hold them and other computers can
access them.
Since the server is always ON, the client machines can access the files and
resources without caring whether a certain computer is ON.
Features of Servers :-
1) They have large storage capacity.
2) They are able to provide information to many computers simultaneously,
therefore have large RAM.
3) Its processor speed is high, as it may have to execute multi-tasking too.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Introduction to Client/Server Network
In a medium to large network, there can be many servers with each performing a
different task:
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Components of Client Server Network
1) Clients or Workstations.
2) Servers.
3) Network Devices :- They connect the clients and servers, and at the same
time ensure proper collision free routing of information.
4) Other components like scanner, printer, etc can also be connected to
network architecture.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Client/server networks
There are an almost infinite variety of client/server networks, but all of them have
a couple of things in common.
For one thing, all have centralized security databases that control access to shared
resources on servers.
The server contains a list of usernames and passwords.
Users can’t log on to the network unless they supply valid usernames and
passwords to the server.
Once logged on, users may access only those resources that the network
administrator allows them to access.
Thus, client/server networks possess much more security than do peer-to-peer
networks.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
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.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
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 high.
3. It requires dedicated network administrator.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
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




A server provides resource or service while a client requests for
service.
Client and servers communicate over a computer network on
separate hardware.
Clients initiate communication sessions with servers and await
incoming requests.
Servers are classified by the services they provide e.g. web servers,
Webpage servers and file server.
Client and servers exchange messages in request-responsemessaging pattern.
The language and rules of communication are defined in
communication protocols.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
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


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Example :
When a bank customer accesses online banking services with a
web browser ( the client ), it initiates a request to bank’s web
server.
The customer’s login credentials may be stored in a database, and
web server accesses the database as a client.
An application server interprets the returned data by applying the
bank’s business logic and provides the output to the web server.
Finally the web server returns the result to the client web browser
for display.
Introduction to Client/Server Network

Give examples of applications which use the client-server model
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Applications of Client/server network
The client/server network is the most efficient way to provide:
• Databases and management of applications such as Spreadsheets,
Accounting, Communications and Document management.
• Network management.
• Centralized file storage.
• Email
• Network printing
• World Wide Web
Introduction to Client/Server Network
1. What is a client-server application?
Client-server describes an application architecture in which the client
requests an action or service from the provider of service, the server.
Consider a Web browser and a Web server.
When you address a URL in the browser window, it (client) requests a page
from a Web server.
The server returns an html page to the client, which parses the page (data)
and displays it on your computer.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
2. How does a client perform?
Client programs request service from a server by sending it a message.
Referring to a Web example, a Web browser is a client we use everyday to
request Web pages.
For example, when you clicked the link to read this article in CNN, your
browser sends a message to a Web server in Austin, TX.
In response, your browser receives the html page you are want to read.
A Web browser represents many client programs, which manage the
graphical user interface (GUI) or display portion of an application;
determining the presentation of the service provided by an application.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
3. What is a server's function?
Server programs process client requests by performing the tasks requested by
clients. For example, in a Web browser the Web server returns the html page
requested by the client.
But client requests and server programs are not always so simple.
Consider a more complicated application in which you buy a product on a Web
page.
In this case, the client informs the server what you are purchasing and the server
updates a database with the purchase request.
Then, the server informs the client that the order has been placed.
Servers are generally passive as they wait for a client request.
During these waiting periods servers can perform other tasks or perform
maintenance. Unlike the client, the server must continually run because clients can
request service at any time.
Clients on the other hand only need to run when they require service.
Many server applications allow for multiple clients to request service.
For example, while you are reading this page others interested in client-server
programming could also request and read the same Web page.
Introduction to Client/Server Network

Server - a computer program running to serve the requests
of other programs, the "clients“

Servers are software programs that in most cases run off
normal computing hardware. Server software includes:





Printing
File sharing
Game hosting
Websites
Other web services
Introduction to Client/Server Network

Client - an application or system that accesses a service
made available by a server

Clients are software programs and processes that connect
to servers, sending requests and receiving responses.

Client examples include:
 Web
browser page requests
 Chat systems on mobile phones
 Online games
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Revision Question
1. Give an example of where a server might be used.
2. What is a server and what is a client?
3. Describe the process involved in a web server delivering a
web page to a client.
4. Describe a situation where having a single server and many
client model might not work too well.
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Answer
1. Serving websites, hosting games, file sharing, printer sharing.
2. Server - a computer program running to serve the requests of other
programs, the "clients“.
Client - an application or system that accesses a service made
available by a server.
3. The Client sends a web request to the web server for a web page
The server fetches the page items from secondary storage
The server sends the page data back to the Client
Introduction to Client/Server Network
Answer
4. When all the clients try to access the server at once, it will have too


many requests and fail
When the clients are a long distance from the server, meaning
response times will be slow
When the location housing the server suffers a power outage or
other disruption, there is no other way for the client to get the data.
Homework

Identify and elaborate the use of at least 4
different types of servers that are used in
organizations.
Peer-to-peer models
What's a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network?
• A peer-to-peer network is one in which two or more PCs share files
and access to devices such as printers without requiring a separate
server computer or server software.
• When nodes or workstations perform the same communication
functions, they are referred to as peers, in this network model, both
server and client operations are performed by the same computer.
• Each user administers his/her workstation and the resources in it. In a
peer-to-peer network, there are no dedicated servers, and there is no
hierarchy among the computers.
• All the computers are equal and therefore are known as peers. Each
computer functions as both a client and a server, and there is no
administrator responsible for the entire network.
• The user on each computer determines which data on that computer
is shared on the network.
• Security is also managed by the user of the devices.
• This model is not quite secure and is suited for a small computer
networks (with 10 computers or less) where users do not want to
share files.
• User’s files are decentralized – they are not stored in a single
Advantages of using peer to peer
• They are easy to configure
• Computers communicate easily.
• They don’t require additional server hardware or software
• Users can manage their own resources.
• They don’t require a network administrator
• They reduce total cost of network setup.
Disadvantages of using peer to peer
1) In this network, the whole system is decentralized thus it is difficult to
administer. That is one person cannot determine the whole
accessibility setting of whole network.
2) Security in this system is very less viruses, spywares, trojans, etc
malwares can easily transmitted over this P2P architecture.
3) Data recovery or backup is very difficult. Each computer should have
its own back-up system
4) Lot of movies, music and other copyrighted files are transferred
using this type of file transfer. P2P is the technology used in torrents.
Peer to peer networks are good to connect small number (around 10) of
computer and places where high level of security is not required. In case
of business network where sensitive data can be present this type of
architecture is not advisable or preferred.
• Peer-to-peer networks are also commonly used for illicit
activities. P2P is a controversial technology because it is widely
used for piracy. There are many websites on the web that offer
access to copyrighted content like movies, music, software, or
games, through P2P networks, due to the advantages of this
technology. While the technology itself is not illegal and it has
many legitimate uses that don't involve piracy, the way some
people use P2P is illegal. When using P2P, make sure not to
engage yourself in piracy or other activities that are punished by
law.
Peer-to-Peer Networks
Advantages
•Only normal computers are required, there is
no need to purchase an expensive server
•Each user manages their own computer. This
means that a network manager is not
required
•Set up is done via wizards within software.
No technical knowledge is required
•Easier to manage on a small scale; Can be set
up in homes / small businesses; All computers
need to be maintained individually
•No reliance on a single server; Less network
traffic than client-server
Disadvantages
•Each computer is fulfilling more than one
role, it may be printing or file sharing. This
increases the load
•Data can be stored on any computer,there is
no organisation to data storage
•Security, anti virus and back up are down to
the individual user
•Each computer needs it's own anti virus
scanner
•Each computer needs its own back up
schedule
Evaluation
In a peer to peer network, all the computers connected to it are of equal status. An example
would be linking two home computers together. Any of the computers connected can provide
printer or file sharing resources