Server-based Vs. Peer-to-peer


Now that we have looked at organizational models in my article "Models of Network Computing", you should realize that Microsoft networks are generally based on the distributed computing model and that many higher-end NT options incorporate collaborative computing elements as well. The next decision an administrator needs to make is what type of server the network will have. .

NOTE: This article is a brief look on Server-based and Peer-to-peer configurations. I will explain individually the each one in my next articles.

PC networks generally fall within one of these two network types:

1. Server-based Configuration
2. Peer-to-peer Configuration

Additional Topic in this article:
Introduction of Windows NT Server and NT Workstation

NOTE: Microsoft terminology says that 'Server-based Configuration is Domain' and 'Peer-to-peer Configuration is Workgroup'.


Server-based Configuration

A server-based network consists of a group of user-oriented PCs (called Clients) that request and receive network services from specialized computers called Servers. Servers are generally higher-performance systems, optimized to provide network services to other PCs.

Some common server types include file servers, mail servers, print servers, fax servers, and application servers.

Relationship between a server and a client is same as a Teacher and a Student, where teacher provides services (of teaching) and student study. You know, student never teaches the teacher, right!

Peer-to-Peer Configuration

A peer-to-peer network is a group of user-oriented PCs that basically operate as equals. Each PC is called a peer (workstation). The peers share the resources, such as files and printers, but no specialized servers exist. Each peer is responsible for its own security, and, in a sense, each peer is both a client (because it requests services from the other peers) and server (because it offers services to the other peers). Small networks -- usually under 10 machines -- may work well in this configuration. If security is an issue, then peer-to-peer is never suitable even there are 2 computers only.


Many network environments are a combination of server-based and peer-to-peer networking models. For example, an organization may concurrently use Novell's server-based networking operating system, NetWare, and Microsoft's peer-to-peer (workgroup) operating system, Windows for Workgroups. New desktop operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows 98, integrate easily into either network model.


Windows NT Server and NT Workstation

The two flavors of Windows NT -- Windows NT Server and Windows NT Workstation -- embody the different orientations of the server-based and peer-to-peer networking models. Under the hood, the two operating systems are quite similar, yet they are outfitted and optimized for very different roles.

The copyright of the article Server-based Vs. Peer-to-peer in Local Area Networks is owned by Muhammad Ahsan. Permission to republish Server-based Vs. Peer-to-peer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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