7.2.6

• Networking models


  Different ways to connect computers over a network
• Clients


  Computers that request information
• Servers


  Computers that provide information
• Networking models


  • Client-server
  • Peer-to-peer
  • Thin client
• Client-server model


  Relationship between two computers where the client makes a service request from the server
• Client-server model


  • The client is dependent on the server to provide and manage information
  • Many users trying to access a large file would put strain on one server
• Client


  Accesses network services
• Server


  Provides network services (file, mail, web)
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) network


  No single provider is responsible for being the server, each computer stores files and acts as a server, each computer has equal responsibility for providing data
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) network


  • Many users on the network could store the same file, each computer can send sections of the file, sharing the workload
  • Ideal for sharing files
• Thin client


  A computer that runs from resources stored on a central server instead of a localized hard drive, works by connecting remotely to a server-based computing environment where most applications, sensitive data and memory, are stored
• Thin client


  • Lower specification client machines are required as most processing is done server side, it is easier to manage software updates as software on the client is negligible, security is improved as very little application software is stored on clients
• A benefit of a thin client network model is the security is improved. This is because there is very little application software stored on clients. Furthermore, it is easier to manage software updates as software on the client is negligible.