Types of Network

Client‐Server Network

With a client server network the files will not be stored on the hard drive of each workstation. Instead they will be stored on a computer which is known as a server.

If you are using a client server network then you will have a user account and you will have to log on with a user name and password.

There are a number of reasons why you do this. The first is to identify you to the server so that it knows which files belong to you and it can fetch them for you. The second is so that the security systems can check that you are actually who you say you are and that the account belongs to you.

On a large network there may be more than just the file server. There might also be an email server which deals with the internal email system. A web server controls access to the Internet and blocks access to any unsuitable sites and a print server which deals with all of the printing requests.

So that is the ‘server’ part of the client server network. The ‘client’ part is the workstations that are connected to the network. The ‘clients’ rely on servers to

• store and fetch networked files
• provide services that the users require
• Manage network peripherals that the user wants to

Peer‐to‐Peer Network

This type of network is where two or more computers are connected together without needing a file server to be part of the network.

A peer to peer network can be as simple as two people in the same room temporarily connecting their computers via a Universal Serial Bus to enable them to transfer or share files directly with one another.

It can also include a more permanent network where say half‐a‐dozen computers in a small office are connected together via a hub or switch.

This type of network means that every PC, once connected to the network is acting both as a server and a client. There is no need for a special network operating system. Access rights to files, folders and data is controlled by setting the sharing permissions on individual machines. So for example, if User A wants to access some files from User B’s computer, User B must set their permissions to allow this. Otherwise, User A won’t be able to see or access any of User B’s work.

Permissions can be set to allow complete access to every file, folder and document stored on your system or just for particular things ‐ perhaps a music library if at home.

This also works with a Wi‐Fi connected laptop as long as the Wireless Access Point is also connected to the hub. In home networking systems, the hub / switch / WAP / ADSL modem are all built into one unit that an ISP (Internet Service Provider) supplies. For example; BT supplies a ‘Home Hub’ unit for its customers that acts as a switch, WAP and a modem.

Types of Network Connections

Dial-up

This is the most common basic type of connection available from ISPs (Internet Server Providers). In Dial-up connection, you use your computer, dial a phone number (provider by ISP) to get connected to server at Providers end through which you access Internet. It means you are not directly connected to Internet; you access the Internet through an Internet Service Provider.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

The process of connecting to server to access Internet is almost same as Dial-up, but it offers connectivity through the use of digital phone lines instead of Analog. It offers Internet connectivity at speeds of up to 128 Kbps, allows the user to receive or make calls simultaneously on the same line. ISDN comes through a regular telephone wire from the telephone pole on the street. The line combines two 64 Kbps channels to offer 128 Kbps bandwidth broken into three bands: One band for the ringing signal of your phone, one band for your telephone conversation, and one band for data transfer.

Leased Line Connection (Direct Internet Access)

A “permanent connection” between a computer system (single CPU or LAN and the Internet). It is generally used by larger institutions, corporate and government agencies. It involves establishing your own Internet gateway (connection) and payment to have a direct full time line with the network. Your computers, in effect, become part of the Net. The main advantage of this connection is that: it is on line – 24 hrs a day, seven days a week, (24×7) and provides faster access.

Dedicated links are established through an internet service provider who places a computer-controlled router (message director) at your site. A router is used to connect your local network to the Internet, allow all the members of network to have complete access to Internet.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line or Dedicated Service Line) Broadband Connection

DSL, an “always-on’ data connection is becoming widely available these days. It can provide an excellent Internet connection. It connects your home or office to the Internet through the same telephone wire that comes from telephone pole on the street. Like ISDN, with DSL, user can make and receive telephone calls while connected to the Internet. The difference between DSL and dialup / ISDN is that a DSL Internet connection uses a high-speed dedicated circuit filtering out standard phone calls and Internet signals.

RF (Radio Frequency)

In networking, RF stands for Radio Frequency, and it refers to the use of radio waves for wireless communication. These radio waves, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation, are used to transmit data between devices over long distances, typically used in technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. 

Advantages & Disadvantages of Network Connections

Wired Network Connections

Advantages:

• Higher speeds: Ethernet typically offers faster speeds than Wi-Fi.
• More reliable: Wired connections are less prone to interference and signal drops.
• Enhanced security: Wired connections are generally more secure as they don’t rely on broadcast signals.

Disadvantages:

• Less flexible: Wired connections require physical cables, limiting mobility.
• Potential for damage: Cables can be damaged or disconnected, disrupting the connection.
• Higher installation costs: Installing wired networks can be more expensive than wireless networks. 

Wireless Network Connections

Advantages:

• More flexible and mobile: Wireless connections allow users to move freely without being tethered to a cable. 
• Easier to install: Wireless networks can be set up quickly and easily. 
• Cost-effective: Wireless networks are often less expensive to install and maintain than wired networks. 

Disadvantages:

• Lower speeds: Wireless speeds can be slower than wired connections, especially over long distances. 
• More susceptible to interference: Wireless signals can be affected by interference from other devices.
• Security concerns: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to hacking and eavesdropping.