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In every network, different computers have different roles. The way these roles are distributed among the computers on the network determines the model of the network.

In a client-server network, computers on the network (clients) communicate with a central server.

Clients can request files and resources, and receive responses from the server. The Internet uses a client-server model so that browsers (clients) can request webpages from web servers.

In a peer-to-peer network, there is no central server.

Instead, individual computers communicate directly with each other. Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks can be used for decentralised file sharing, cryptocurrencies, and video calling.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of client-server networks?

Advantages:
• Better security, as files are stored centrally and access rights can be managed by the server
• Centralised backup of files, so there is no need for individual users to back up their files
• More reliable because the server will never be turned off

Disadvantages:
• Client-server networks are harder to set up than P2P networks
• They can also be more expensive to manage
• The server is a single point of failure

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