Hi there,

I just started studying the basics of networking and I am having trouble with comparing P2P networks with server networks. I understand that in a P2P network, all the computers are independent and can share data with each other. However, a computer in this network can also act as a "server". Example, it can have a printer connected to it, providing a service to other computers connected to the same network. But it can also act as a client when it seeks information from other computers in the same network. In a client/server network, a server is used that provides a service to the other clients. What I don't understand is that when is a network considered a server based network. I mean, I can just use a computer to act as a server. If this is the case then does that mean it is a server based network now? Or what else am I missing?

Please don't respond with complex questions.

THANX in advance.Quote

What I don't understand is that when is a network considered a server based network. I mean, I can just use a computer to act as a server. If this is the case then does that mean it is a server based network now? Or what else am I missing?

Pretty much. To put it simply, a server is effectively a machine that serves something (files, data, a connection) to other machines, but doesn't receive anything back.

Aah, so you cannot actually upload data to a server?

Also, can clients on a server based network communicate with each other? Say I want something from a client, can I just directly communicate with that client and extract what I want from that client?

And lastly, does a server in a server based network have to be dedicated?

You can, I should've said it doesn't receive resources. Although, that's not entirely correct, you could have a server sharing an internet connection with another server which shares printers to the rest of the network, I was just simplifying. But that's what differentiates a P2P from a client/server network, the fact that in a P2P network every client is also a server.

Yes, assuming the client has permission to send to the server. I've made a bit of a hash explaining this in general, sorry, had a long day.

In all honesty, if you're the kind of person who can study from a book, you may find that will help you understand it a little more. That's how I got it all straight in my head, because before that I understood the concept but I found reading it helped me really get my head around it. I had an A+ and Network+ study book, for when I took my A+ exam (but never went for my Network+ because they changed the way the exams worked).