Networking (Essay Sample)

Peer-to-peer network, client-server and directory services networks platform, are different in many ways and both have their own advantages and disadvantages, these network platforms are used on different areas depending on the size and space needed for the computers to network. However the directory services network is basically a location where the users on a network can use to find files.
The main difference between these three networks is basically how they share data and resources through the network and also how they provide security to their users. In a peer-to-peer network, there is no dedicated central station that controls the other computers. Therefore the flow of data in a peer-to-peer network is equal among all computers and no computer in this network can limit the other from running a task. However when it comes to client-server-based network, there is a dedicated server which acts as security in the network. Therefore in a server-based network all other computers will be granted permission to use particular services in the network by the main server. This means that the main server has the power to either allow a certain computer to use the networks resources or not. However for both network platforms to run smoothly they all need a directory service network, which helps in organizing, storing and allowing of access to information on the network.
However the networks have both advantages and disadvantages as compared to each other. First, on a client-server the storage of data and files are all in one place, while on a peer-to-peer network files are in all computers and therefore making it hard for someone who has never used a certain computer to find a specific file in it. When it comes to directory service network it can store information and files in a safe way and just like a client server it stores files in a central place so as to be accessed by other users. Second, in a client-server network one can back up their files and data on the central dedicated computer for when the system crushes down, while on the other hand, on a peer-to-peer network, there is no backup of files and the moment the network breaks down the files will be lost. However in a directory services networks, the security of file is fully guaranteed due to the presence of backup files. Third, the client-server is hard and very expensive to install due to the cost of the dedicated server. This makes it hard for small companies or home networks to afford it, while on the hand a peer-to-peer network is simple and cheap to install and manage. Due the fact that, the directory services networks is good in security then the installation of the network is also expensive as compared to peer-to-peer. Forth, on a client-server, security of all computers is run by the dedicated server which has the power to allow or deny any activity running on other computers, while in a peer-to-peer security of the network relies on each person computer in such a way that, every computer protects itself. Fifth, on a server client one must have a log in password for the network and this ensures security from outsiders, while in a peer-to-peer there is no password required for the network and this puts the network in a risky situation. In a client-server the software's and operating system can update through the network and through this the computers can always be running on the latest updates, while on a peer-to-peer network the computers do not need an operating system for normal functioning.
On a client-server, the network is large and support many users at a time. The network can cover a wide area even beyond the office and sometimes the building, while in a peer-to-peer the connection is restrict to a small area ...