Application Architectures

Client-server Peer-to-peer (P2P) Hybrid of client-server and P2P

Client Server Architecture

server:

always-on host permanent IP address server farms for scaling communicate with server may be intermittently connected may have dynamic IP addresses do not communicate directly with each other

clients:

Pure P2P Architecture

no always-on server arbitrary end systems directly communicate peers are intermittently connected and change IP addresses example: Gnutella Highly scalable But difficult to manage

Hybrid of Client Server and P2P

Napster File transfer P2P File search centralized: Peers register content at central server Peers query same central server to locate content Instant messaging Chatting between two users is P2P Presence detection/location centralized: User registers its IP address with central server when it comes online User contacts central server to find IP addresses of buddies

Network Operating System (NOS)

Network require special software to control the flow of information between users. A NOS, is installed onto each PC that requires network access. The NOS is like a traffic controller that monitors the exchange and flow of files, electronic mail, and other network information.

Peer to Peer Vs Client Server

Network Operating Systems are classified according to whether they are peer-to-peer or client- server NOSs.

Peer-to-peer NOSs like Windows 95, Windows98 and Windows for Workgroups are best for home & small office use. Client-server NOSs like Windows NT, Linux and NetWare are ideal for large-scale organizations

Peer to Peer Network

Peer to Peer Network

Peer-to-Peer Model

Peer to Peer Network (contd.)

A peer-to-peer network allows two or more PCs to pool their resources together. Individual resources like disk drives, CDROM drives, and even printers are transformed into shared, collective resources that are accessible from every PC.

Peer to Peer Network (contd.)

Unlike client-server networks, where network

information is stored on a centralized file server PC and made available to tens, hundreds, or thousands client PCs, the information stored across peer-to-peer networks is uniquely decentralized. Because peer-to-peer PCs have their own hard disk drives that are accessible by all computers, each PC acts as both a client (information requestor) and a server (information provider).

Advantages of Peer to Peer Network

Less initial expense No need for a dedicated server Setup An operating system (such as Widows 95) already in place may only need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer operations.

Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Network

Decentralized No central repository for files and applications. Security Does not provide the security available on a client/server network.

Client Server Network

Client Server Network

Client/Server Model with Dedicated Servers

Client/Server Model with a General Server

Client Server Network (Contd.)

In a client-server environment like Windows NT or Novell NetWare, files are stored on a centralized, high speed file server PC that is made available to client PCs. Network access speeds are usually faster than those found on peer-to-peer networks, which is reasonable given the vast numbers of clients that this architecture can support.

Advantages of Client Server Network

Centralized Resources and data security are controlled through the server. Scalability Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase. Flexibility New technology can be easily integrated into system. Accessibility Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of Client Server Network

Expense Requires initial investment in dedicated server Maintenance Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation. Dependence When server goes down, operations will cease across the network.