Friday, April 9, 2010

* Networking models

Networking models can be divided into the following two categories:
• Centralized computing
• Decentralized computing

(a) Centralized Computing
In a centralized computing network model, all processing is done on a central computer. This computer provides data storage as well as controls to all peripherals including the clients, which are called dumb terminals. A client/server network is based on the centralized computing model. A centralized server holds control of all system and network resources located across the network. These include network services, storage, data backup, security management, and access control. The network consists of dedicated servers and desktops (clients). Servers run network operating systems such as Windows Server 2000/2003, Unix/Linux, etc., and the desktops run client operating systems such as Windows XP or Windows 2000. The following are some features of client/server computing:
• This model is scalable to very large-scale internetworks.
• Skilled administrators are required to manage the network.
• Dedicated server and network hardware may be required, which increases the cost of ownership.
• Security of the resources can be effectively maintained from a central point.

Client/server network
In a client/server network model, a centralized server usually holds control of all system and network resources located across the network. These include network services, storage, data backup, security management, and access control. The network consists of dedicated servers and desktops (clients). Servers run network operating systems, such as Windows Server 2000/2003 or Unix/Linux, and the desktops run client operating systems, such as Windows XP. Most modern network environments use the client/server computing model. Some characteristics of client/server networks are shown next.
• This model is scalable to very large-scale internetworks.
• Skilled administrators are required to manage the network.
• Dedicated server and network hardware may be required, which increases the cost of ownership.
• Security of the resources can be effectively maintained from a centralized point.
(b) Decentralized Computing
In a decentralized computing network model, all processing and resources are distributed among several computers, thereby increasing performance. All systems can run independent of each other. A peer-to-peer (P2P) network or a workgroup is based on a decentralized computing model. Every computer is responsible for processing applications, storage of data, and controlling access to its resources. The following are some features of a peer-to-peer networking model:
• These networks are suitable for about 10 computers only.
• They are cost effective as compared to the client/server model.
• A network operating system (NOS) or skilled administrators are not required.
• These networks are not as secure as the client/server model because each user individually maintains security of resources on her computer.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) network
In a peer-to-peer network, every computer is responsible for processing applications, storing data, and controlling access to its resources. A P2P network is also known as a workgroup. These networks are suitable for a small number of computers only. As the network grows, the administration of resources becomes difficult. For this reason, peer-to-peer networks are not suitable for large networks. The following are some characteristics of P2P networks:
• These networks are suitable for only about 10 computers.
• They are cost-effective compared to the client/server model.
• A network operating system (NOS) does not need to be installed on any computer.
• An administrator is not required, and each user is responsible to manage resources on her computer.
•These networks are not considered secure because each user individually maintains security of resources on her computer.

No comments:

Post a Comment