lesson 3.9.1 client-server vs peer-to-peer

Comparing Two Different Network Models

Ever wondered why your school computer feels so controlled, while sharing a file with a friend at home feels like a free-for-all? Today, we are stepping into the shoes of a Systems Architect. You will discover why big businesses like Spotify or your local Hospital choose massive central servers, while gamers and small startups often prefer the "equal power" of a Peer-to-Peer setup. By the end of this, you will be the expert deciding which tech heart a business should have!

Learning Outcomes

The Building Blocks (Factual Knowledge)

Recall the definition of a "Server" and a "Client" within a network.

Describe the physical and logical layout of a Peer-to-Peer network.

Analyse the hardware requirements for both client-server and P2P models.

The Connections and Theories (Conceptual Knowledge)

Describe how centralisation impacts data security and backup procedures.

Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of having a "central point of failure".

Evaluate the suitability of different network models for specific business scenarios.

The Skills and Methods (Procedural Outcomes)

Apply knowledge of network models to recommend a solution for a client brief.

Create a justified comparison table between Client-Server and P2P architectures.

Digital Skill Focus: You will develop your digital productivity by using presentation software to professionally model and justify complex technical infrastructure choices.

The Architecture of Networks

In the world of networking, "Architecture" isn't about bricks—it is about power and control. There are two fundamental ways that individual computers on a network are related...

The Client-Server Model

Think of this like a Restaurant.

The Server is the kitchen. It holds all the "food" (files, webpages, emails) and provides "services" (printing, security).

The Clients are the customers. They request things from the server. They don't serve each other.

Pros: Everything is in one place. Backups are easy, and security is tight because the "Chef" (Admin) controls everything.

Cons: If the kitchen closes (Server crashes), nobody eats! It's also expensive to hire a pro chef and buy industrial ovens.

Client-Server Network

The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model

Think of this like a Potluck Dinner.

There is no central chef. Everyone brings a dish and shares it directly with others.

Every computer is an equal. Each one acts as both a client and a server.

Pros: It is cheap and easy to set up. If one person leaves the party, the party stays active!

Cons: It is a security nightmare. You can't be sure who is "bringing what" to the table, and there is no central backup - if you lose your plate, it is gone forever.

Peer-to-Peer Network

Why does it matter?

Choosing the right model is vital for it support technicians. If you are running a massive bank, you need the control of a server. If you are a group of friends sharing photos in a room using Bluetooth, a peer-to-peer connection is much faster to set up.

The Architect's Cheat Sheet

To help you decide which network to build, use this comparison of the "Big Four" factors:

Cost: P2P is free/cheap. Client-Server needs expensive hardware and a paid Network Manager.

Security: Client-Server is high (centralised). P2P is low (individual responsibility).

Performance: Client-Server is fast but can slow down if too many people ask the server at once. P2P can slow down if an individual computer is old/slow.

Backups: Client-Server is easy (one button backs up everything). P2P is hard (everyone must remember to do their own).

Client-Server Benefits

Centralised Backups: All files are stored on the server, so you only need to back up one machine.

Security: The server manages who can log in and what they can see.

Software Updates: You can install a new program on the server and "push" it out to all clients.

Peer-to-Peer Benefits

Easy Setup: No expensive server hardware is needed. Just connect the cables or Wi-Fi.

No Central Failure: If one computer breaks, the others keep working.

Scalability: In systems like bittorrentI have no idea what this means, the more peers there are, the faster the file sharing becomes!

Task Be the Architect!

You have been hired as a Junior Network Consultant. Three very different clients need your help to set up their systems. If you get it wrong, their data might be stolen or their business might crash!

Get Organised!

Download the template.pptx file and save it to your computer.

Click the Enable Editing button on the yellow bar if it appears.

Each of the three slides has a scenario at the top and five boxes in the middle, three for your analysis, one for your recommendation and one for your justification.

Review the Clients

Read through these three client requests:

Client 1
"I run a primary school with 300 students. I need to make sure they can't access each other's files and I want to back up everything every night."

Client 2
"My sister and I have a small craft business at home. We have two laptops and one printer. We want to spend as little money as possible."

Client 3
"I am building a new app for gamers to share large video clips directly with each other without me having to pay for huge, expensive servers."

Choose it!

Complete the sections on the template for each of the three clients. You need to think carefully about the client need for:

Security

Cost

Relability

For each client, decide if they need a client-server or peer-to-peer network.

Justify It!

Write one sentence for each client in the last box justifying your choice.

Present it!

Your teacher will ask you to present each of the client slides one at a time so they, and your peers, can compare what you have decided to choose.

Outcome: Three accurate network recommendations with clear technical justifications.

Today you have learnt that networks are either centralised around a powerful server for control and security, or decentralised into a peer-to-peer setup where every device shares the workload.