Network Models: Comparing Server-Based and Peer-to-Peer Configurations

Network Models: Comparing Server-Based and Peer-to-Peer Configurations

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

Server-based. 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.)
Peer-to-peer. A peer-to-peer network is a group of user- oriented PCs that basically operate as equals. Each PC is called a peer. The peers share 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 a server (because it offers services to the other peers). Small networks—usually under 10 machines—may work well in this configuration.

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 network operating system, NetWare, and Microsoft’s peer-to-peer operating system, Windows for Workgroups. New desktop operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows 95, integrate easily into either network model.

Windows NT Server and 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 (see Figure 1.3). Under the hood, the two operating systems are quite similar, yet they are outfitted and optimized for very different roles.

Windows NT Server—is optimized to act as a file, print, and application server and is designed to function as a server in server-based networks. NT Server can support unlimited concurrent incoming sessions (depending on the licensing agreement) and up to 256 inbound RAS connections. Windows NT Server can also act as a domain controller, maintaining a user account database for an entire domain. (See the section titled “Network Security” later in this chapter.)

Windows NT Workstation—is optimized for desktop performance. Windows NT Workstation can serve as a high-security, industrial strength desktop operating system and, therefore, is designed to function as a client in a server-based network or as a peer in a peer-to-peer network.

Further Information