Client-server and peer-to-peer networks

Overview

Servers and clients, web, file, print and mail servers, peer-to-peer networks, the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and choosing one for a home or a school.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is a server?

   Model answer

   A server is a computer that provides a service or resource to other computers on a network. A server is usually powerful and runs all the time.

2. 2

   What is a client?

   Model answer

   A client is a device that requests and uses services provided by a server. A laptop running a web browser is a typical client.

3. 3

   Describe the role of each computer in a client-server network.

   Model answer

   The server stores shared files, manages security and responds to requests. Each client sends requests to the server and uses what comes back.

4. 4

   What service does a web server provide?

   Model answer

   A web server stores web pages and sends them to clients that request them. The browser on the client then displays the page.

5. 5

   What does a file server do?

   Model answer

   A file server stores users' files in one central place. A file server sends a file to a client on request and saves files that clients upload.

6. 6

   Apart from web and file servers, name two types of server and what each provides.

   Model answer

   A print server manages a queue of jobs sent to shared printers. A mail server stores, sends and receives email for its users.

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