There are essentially two types of network architectures—
1.
Client-Server and
2.
Peer-to-peer.
In the client-server scheme, a central server handles all security and
file transactions;
In peer-to-peer networks, each machine shares its own resources
and handles its own security.
Client-server is
the more expensive of the two to implement because such networks require a
central file server. Although you can use many types of computers as your file
server, you'll get the best results if you use a dedicated, high-end machine.
The other disadvantage to client-server
networks is the cost of the server software. For example, you can expect to pay
about $700 for a copy of NT Server. The core software package authorizes you to
connect five PCs to your server, and then it requires you to pay a client
license fee of around $70 for each additional PC that you connect to your
network.
In fact, client-server networks
are so expensive to set up that you may be wondering why anyone would ever
choose this option. The answer is that this network structure offers a wide
range of powerful administrative tools, which are particularly useful in an
environment where security is an issue.
In a client-server environment, the dedicated file server controls
the level of access that client PCs have to shared resources. This means that
you can control network security from a central location through a utility such
as Windows NT Server's User Manager or NetWare's NWADMIN.
Peer-to-peer
networks aren't nearly as expensive to create, since you don't need a dedicated
machine, server software, or special client licenses. In fact, all the software
you need comes with Windows 95. This affordability often makes peer-to-peer
networks ideal for small businesses or home users.
However, the main disadvantage
of using this type of network is that you sacrifice security by placing network
control in the hands of end users. Therefore, this network strategy is
obviously inappropriate for high-security environments.
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