Network Type
There are three roles for computers in a local area network. The first role is a being clients which use but do not provide network resources. The second one is a being peers which both use and provide network resources. The last one is a being servers which provide network resources. The role of a computer is determined simply by use in the network many times.
Server (domain) / Client Networks
Server-based (also called client-server) networks are defined by the
presence of servers on a network that provide security and administration
of the networks. It consists with many clients and one or more
servers. Clients (often called the "front end") request services, such as
file storage and printing, and servers (often called the "back
end") deliver them.
In Windows NT or Windows 2000, server-based networks are organized into domains. Domains are collections of networks and clients that share security trust information. Domain security and logon permission are controlled by special servers called domain controllers. There is one master domain controller, called the Primary Domain Controller (PDC) and the secondary domain controllers called Backup Domain Controller (BDC) may assist PDC during busy times or when the PDC is not available for some reason.
The server-based networks have many advantages,
including:
Central file storage, which allows all users to work form the same set
of data and provides easy backup of critical data and keeps data from
getting lost among computers
Ability of servers to pool available hardware and software, lowering
overall costs
Optimized dedicated servers, which are faster than peers at sharing
network
Freeing of users from the task of managing network
Easy manageability of a large number of users
Ability to share expensive equipment, such as laser printers
Less intrusive strong central security, since a single password need
to access all shared resources on the network
Server-based networks also have some disadvantages,
including:
Expensive dedicated hardware
Expensive network operating system software and client licenses
A dedicated network administrator (usually required)
Peer Networks
Every computer on peer network is equal and can communicate with any
other computer on the network to which it has been granted access
rights. So basically, every computer on peer network functions as both a
server and a client. The peer network is more common in small business.
The advantages are:
No extra investment for server software and hardware are needed
No network administrator is needed
Easy setup
Lower cost
The disadvantages are:
Additional load on computers for resource sharing
Lack of central organization, which can make data hard to find
Users must administer their own computers
Weak and intrusive security
Hybrid Networks
Hybrid networks have all three types of computers and have active
domains and workgroups. This means that network users have access to any
resources being shared by peers in their workgroup while most shared
resources are located on servers
The advantages of hybrid networks are same as the advantages of server-based and peer-based networks. Hybrid network shares the disadvantages of server-based network.