In computer networking, there are two types of networking models categorized as follows.
- Client-Server Model
- Peer-to-Peer Model
Client-Server Architecture
The client/server architecture is a network architecture in which each computer or process on the network is either a client or a server. In this model, two processes are involved: one on the client and one on the server.
A request message is sent from the client process to the server process to initiate communication. A response message is then sent from the server process to the client process. Once the server process receives the request, it performs the necessary processes and sends back a reply message.
As an example, when a user at home accesses a web page, the remote web server is the server, and the user’s personal computer is the client.
Peer-to-Peer Model
A peer-to-peer network is formed when two or more computers or devices share resources without communicating with a separate server computer. Each computer (workstation) in peer-to-peer networking has the same capabilities and responsibilities.
Every PC acts as an independent workstation that stores data on its own hard drive but can share it with all the other PCs on the network. A workgroup of computers can share files, printers, and internet access.
Wrapping it up
The stability and security of a client-server network are greater than that of peer-to-peer networks. A client-server network exhibits greater stability and security than a peer-to-peer one. So make sure you work on the client-server model for any network setup.