When accomplishing any task, there is usually more than one way to get the
job done, sometimes even thousands of different ways. When trying to connect
more than one computer together there are also many different ways to get the
job done. Some ways are better than others in certain situations, and it is very
beneficial to get started in the right direction when networking computers, not
just because of usefulness, but also because of security issues.
Just like with anything, when deciding on how to connect computers together
you should investigate on why the job must be done. Question what purpose needs
to be accomplished, question if any peripherals need to be shared, question if
any documents need to be accessed by more than one person, etc. Once you have
more information on what the network actually needs to do, then it will be much
easier implementing a plan that will accomplish all of your goals.
When setting up a network there are basically three different types of
networks - Peer-to-peer, Client-Server, and Application-Server Networks. Each
type has certain benefits and downsides, this article will describe each type,
along with why it could or should be implemented. Those who are deciding to
implement a network, or are curious about their existing network should find
this article interesting and informative.
Peer-to-peer Networks
Overview of Peer-to-peer Networks
Nearly all Operating Systems come with the ability to act as some kind of a
server to share resources. You can setup different computers to allow others to
use its peripherals such as printers or CDROM drives, and other computers to
allow others to read or write to its hard disk allowing sharing of files, while
other computers may allow access to its Internet connection. When you allow
workstation computers to become servers and share things in this manner, it is
called a Peer-to-peer network.
An Example of a Peer-to-peer Network
I will use a small office as an example of a Peer-to-Peer network.
In this small business office, the secretary uses the best computer, and has
the most drive space, she also has a fast laser printer connected to her
computer. The accountant has a mediocre computer that has a color ink jet
printer. The owner has a good computer with a zip drive to take work home. All
of these computers are networked together, with no central server.
The secretary uses the zip drive through the network to backup important
documents, and also uses the ink jet printer on the accountant's computer to
print out fliers. The accountant uses the laser printer on the secretary's
computer to print out checks, accesses some important documents on the
secretary's computer, and backs up the accounting data on the zip drive on the
owners computer. The owner uses both printers on the other computers, and
accesses important documents on the secretary's computer. All of the computers
share Internet access through the secretary's computer.
All of this gets done with no passwords or user names since all the shared
devices use no access control, or other type of security measure. Also in order
for the accountant's computer and the owner's computer to be able to read the
companies important documents, the secretary's computer must be turned on first.
| 
