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A client-server network is often found in medium to large-sized organisations whereas a peer-to-peer network is often found in small organisations and homes.

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A client-server network requires at least one computer that performs the role of a server. A server performs roles such as:

file storage

back-up

application sharing

printer management.

The client computers are all connected to the server via a switch or other network communication device. In order to access resources such as files or printers on the network, users required to log on at the client computers using a username and password. Some client computers use swipe cards instead of usernames or finger print recognition instead of usernames and passwords. Once connected to the server, a user will have access to:

a dedicated amount of storage space that is private to the user

printers

files, if permission has been granted

software used within the organisation.

A user can log on to the server from any client and the resources available will be the same.

In large organisations, there is likely to be more than one server, with each server carrying out specific roles. Software can be automatically deployed to all clients on a client-server network, anti-virus software can be managed centrally and back-ups can be taken of all the data on the server. However, servers require specialist technical staff and if a server fails then clients will lose access to data.

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A peer-to-peer network has no central server. Each computer performs its own functions and may share some resources with other computers on the network.

All of the computers in the network are equivalent 'peers' - none of them acts as a 'leader' as none of them have a server role to play. Each computer may have resources such as files and printers that other computers may need to access.

This type of network is much easier to set up and that is why it is often found in homes and small businesses. However, each computer has to be maintained individually which can lead to unreliability with the network.

The diagram below shows a peer-to-peer network. Computer A has a colour printer and scanner connected to it. If computer B wishes to print in colour, it has to use the services of computer A. If computer A wants to print a high quality document on a laser printer, then it relies on the services of computer D. If computer C needs to access some files that are stored on computer B, then it needs to have been given permission to access them.