These are the two major types of networks:
1. Peer-to-Peer Network :
* In a peer-to-peer network, 'peers' are the computers which are connected to each other through an internet connection.
* The computer systems on the network without the need for any computer server.
* Therefore, the computer in P2P is a "computer server" as well as a "client".
* Requirements for a computer to have a peer-to-peer network are the internet connection and P2P software.
* Some of the common P2P software peers include Kazaa, Limewire, BearShare, Morpheus, and Acquisition.
* Once we are connected to the P2P network, then we able to search the files on other people's computer.
Types of a peer-to-peer network :
Pure P2P : In P2P, peers act as a client and server. There is no central server and central router present in the pure P2P.
Hybrid P2P : Hybrid P2P has a central server that stores the information and responds to the request for that information. Peers are used for hosting the information as a central server does not store the files. Nasper is an example of Hybrid P2P.
Mixed P2P : Mixed P2P is a combination of pure P2P and Hybrid P2P.
2. Server-based Network :
* In a server-based network, server act as a base for the network known as a central server.
* The central server handles multiple tasks such as authenticating users, storing files, managing printers, and running applications such as database and email programs.
* In case of a server-based network, security is centralized in the system which allows the user to have one login id and password to log on to any computer system.
* Server-based networks are more complex and costly and often requires full- time services for administration.
* In server-based networks, the majority of traffic occurs between the servers.
