Client/Server Apps

from BIG to small

(Also Peer-to-Peer)

By Nick Weber

What are they? Client/Server

Client/Server Applications go from the client side, and send the information to a centralized server.

Different from Peer-to-Peer

Will discuss P2P in later slides

Your Internet Browser is a Client/Server application!

Where they would work

Typically, bigger companies will use Client/Server model for their networking.

Every Web browser is a Client/Server application.

Email clients are Client/Server

Examples of Client/Server Applications

The entire Internet is a giant Client/Server App, in the form of TCP/IP

Web Browsers that access the Internet are Client/Server applications too

Email clients use this C/S method

Network printers use this application

A bigger example would be a company that stores all of its’ data on a big centralized server

Peer to Peer (P2P applications)

What are they? Peer-to-Peer

The computers share direct information with each other, without the use of a centralized server.

This means the computer does not lose data if another computer crashes, like they would if they were using a server

This also mean less down time due to inability to connect

How they work exactly (P2P)

Rather than the centralized server of a Client/Server application, computers connect over a network to another computer directly.

This converts to faster transfer times

This also comes with more risks

Where they would work (P2P)

Smaller companies might be able to make use of this model, as well as websites that share files. Another use for this is video or voice chat over computers.

Schools could also make use of Peer-to-Peer software, for computer supervision.

Examples of P2P Applications

Skype uses P2P

Bitcoin, a popular internet currency

File sharing sites (Even illegitimate ones!)

Pros of Client/Server Applications

Fast and Efficient

Mostly cost effective

Easy to Maintain

Cons of Client/Server Applications

Costs become higher the more clients you have

Risk of Server crashing and losing data, time, and money

Pros of Peer-to-Peer Applications

Applications easy to install and configure

Possibility to be faster

No risk of server crashing and losing data

Cheaper than Client/Server applications

No need for System Administrator

Cons of Peer-to-Peer applications

Security risks with physical security.

Viruses are easily transferred

Data recovery is nearly impossible

Used for illegal purposes a lot of times

Conclusions

In conclusion, it would be good to learn about both Client/Server and Peer-to-Peer applications

Both could help you in future careers, depending on where you work

Client/Server will be in bigger companies, P2P MIGHT be in smaller companies