Categories of the Network
In a Network the independent computer are communicate to each other over a shared network medium. When the computers are joined in a network, we can share files and devices such as printers. Different network at multiple locations can also be connected to communicate of other networks and this could be accomplished using the phone services and the other modes of communication services. In order to establish a network of computers we require at least two computers, Network Interface Card (NIC) and a transmission medium.
Network can be divided into two main categories –
1. Peer to Peer-A Peer to Peer Network is a user oriented PCs.Each PC is called a peer. The peer share resources such as file and printer but no specified server exists. In this category the computers in the network are equal and therefore known as peer. Each computer is server client serve as server/client and none of the computer is assigned to be an administrator for the entire network. Peer to Peer network relies on the computing power and bandwidth of the users in the network, therefore these networks are useful for many purposes including sharing content files. They are deployed for small organization.
Each Peer is responsible of its own security. Small network usually under 10 machines may work well in this configuration. All computers share the network management task. A peer to peer network tends to slow down with heavy use and keeping track of the information on each computer can be difficult. Therefore this model is used for the small network.
2. Client/Server Network-This use the concept of the client /server where work is distributed between one or many client server and machines. Client/Server computing generally refers to a computing model where two or more computers interact in such a way that one provides service to another. This model allows customers to access information and services located in the network. It has two basic component client and server. The client request a service to be performed and this service might be to run an application, print a file or any other networked service. Servers are generally higher performance systems to provide network service to other PCs.There may be many clients and servers depending on specific applications. In this way we can get the maximum utilization of machine and hardware and also allows better maintenance of the computer network in case of failure of many machines in the network with a minimum disruption of operation.