Network Models

As the network features found in Windows suggest, there are two major network models:

  • Client/server

  • Peer-to-peer

It's important to understand the differences between them as you prepare for the exams and as you work with networks.

Client/Server

Most departmental and larger networks are client/server networks, such as the one illustrated in Figure 21.1. Novell NetWare and Windows NT/2000/2003 Server are examples of client/server networks.

Figure 21.1. A server with three workstations, each of which is using a different shared resource: One is using the server's CD-ROM drive, one is printing to the server's printer, and one is copying a file to the server's hard disk.

The roles of each computer in a client/server network are distinctive, ...

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