MAC Address

IP Address

00-10-A4-13-99-2E
10.10.10.1

CAT6 cable

CAT6 cable

CAT6 cable

2
Switch

CAT6 cable

MAC Address 00-10-A4-13-6C-6E

10.10.10.2
IP Address

Laser printer
MAC Address 00-10-83-0B-A6-2F
10.10.10.20
IP Address

MAC Address
IP Address

00-B0-D0-25-BF-48
10.10.10.3

FIGURE 14-1 An example of a peer-to-peer network.

In a client/server network the server handles multiple requests from multiple

clients for multiple services. The network shown in Figure 14-2 is a client/server
network.
It isnt practical to say which network choice, peer-to-peer or client/server, is
best for all applications. Both types are used, and it is up to the users and the administrator for the LAN to make the choice. There are definite advantages and disadvantages for each, as outlined in Tables 14-1 and 14-2.
TABLE 14-1
Network

Client/Server Network
The server handles multiple
requests from multiple
clients for multiple services

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Peer-to-Peer

Advantages

Disadvantages

Easy to set up the network

Resource sharing can affect the performance of the

computers.
Poor security.

No centralized network
administration
Low cost
Users control the resource
sharing

Users must administer their own computer.

No central file server.
No centralized administration of the computers
resources.

Section 14-1

INTRODUCTION

511