Networking Concepts

Unit: 1 Lesson: 1

cmd: `msg ZCM-33126123 * /w hi!`

Networks can be defined as a set of nodes and links, where nodes are the devices that can store and share data and the links are the communication protocols and transmission methods.

Network Nodes

There are two general types of nodes: intermediate nodes and end systems (a.k.a. hosts).

Intermediate nodes usually forward data
End systems process data forwarded to them, and send data of their own

End system nodes are either classified as servers or clients, and they help define different networking models.

servers make resources available to other hosts
clients consume services/resources provided by servers

Client-Server vs. Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

Client-server networks have most of their nodes act as clients. Some client devices include PCs, laptops, and mobile devices. The servers are usually more powerful devices, like workstations. Application services and resources are often centrally provisioned, managed, and secured.

P2P networks have their hosts act as both clients and servers. P2P networks have a decentralized networking models where provisioning, management, and services are distributed across the network. Workgroups are known as a smaller P2P network.

Enterprise networks often use the client-server model, while residential networks use P2P. However, client-server network hosts also act as both client and server. It's the property of resources and services being centrally managed that makes the client-server model unique from the P2P model.

#Netplus