Advantages and disadvantages of server based networks?

Answer 1

Local area networks can come in two forms (or architectures), peer-to-peer networking and server-based networking. Each have their advantages and disadvantages and may be used in different situations.

Peer-to-peer networkingIn peer-to-peer networking each computer has an equal status, each can use resources such as printers and scanners from other workstations and can commuicate with the other workstations without going through a server. Peer-to-peer networking is best used when there are only a small group of computers which do not require regular access to the data stored on the other work stations. Advantages

• Easy to set up and maintain
• Inexpensive
• Will continue to operate if one of the workstations or resources malfunctions

Disadvantages

• Because the files are stored locally on each workstation they can only be accessed by others when that workstation is turned on.
• No central control over security or backups. Every resource and workstation may have a different password.
• Only works well with a small number of computers

Server-based networkingAs the name suggests server-based networking is a network where resources, files and security are all handled by dedicated servers. Such systems often require specialist software such as network operating systems and hardware such as print servers. Advantages

• Can easily cope with thousands of users.
• Backup, security and account control are all central.
• Software can be shared between the computers.

Disadvantages

• If one of the servers go down all the users are affected and it may even bring the whole network down.
• More expensive to setup and maintain.

Client-server arhitectureDevices on a server-based network are referred to as either clients or servers (the client-server arghitecture). Clients, such as computers, make requests for services like the use of a printer and servers handle the client requests. This is in contrast to a peer-to-peer network where the workstations act as both clients and servers. For example one computer in a peer-to-peer network may act as client and send a request for a text document stored on another computer whilst at the same time acting as a server by handling a request to print a document from a third computer.

Answer 2

The advantage of swapping operating systems is that you can experience different environments without having to exchange hardware. The disadvantage is that the current hardware may not be good enough to run other operating systems, resulting in more errors or slow startup times.

Answer 3

Disadvantages : 1. Breakdowns and Possible Loss of Resources 2. Expensive to Build 3. Security Threats 4. Bandwidth Issues Advantages : 1. Easy Communication and Speed 2. Ability to Share Files, Data and Information 3. Sharing Hardware 4. Sharing Software 5. Speed

Answer 4

There are many advantages and disadvantages of a network. These advantages and disadvantages of a network include possible communication errors.

Answer 5

Don't know any disadvantages unless there are compatibility issues with different types of software running on the network. Or if the NOS is not clustered it can be a single point of failure.

Answer 6

Is that you get to do whatever u want.