CLIENT-SERVER & PEER TO PEER

The advantage of a client-server would be that data or information stored on a server can be retrieved by any node connected to it.

When servers find the information, the web browser will send all the information to the database. 

How does a Client-model server work?

• The client makes a request through the server. The server will then search for information on the database.
• The client searches for information through the web browser.
• You need a web browser to access the information, the client-server doesn’t have the information – the client-server is connected to another server. So that server does not have information so it becomes a client-server and is connected to another server. 
• Then that server will have the information, so server 4 will pass the information to client-server 3 who passes the information to client-server 2 who passes the information to client-server 1 who then passes the information to the client. 

Client-server models work in the way that the server searches the database when the client makes a request for information through a web browser. The server provides the client with the data. If this server doesn’t have the information, it is connected to another server. Server 1 becomes a client. Server 2 gives the information to server 1 which then gives it to the first client. 

Data or information stored on a server can be retrieved or accessed from any node connected to it. 

PEER TO PEER 

Peer-to-Peer Networks

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) sites are commonly used for downloading files.
• In a P2P network, each node acts as both a server and a client, providing and requesting data.

Blockchain vs. Peer-to-Peer

• A key difference between blockchain and P2P networks is the lack of consensus in P2P. This means data sent may not be secure and could include harmful elements like viruses or trojans.

Components of Peer-to-Peer Networks

Seed: A node that has 100% of the file and shares it with others.

Leech: A node that does not have the file and is in the process of downloading it. Once a leech obtains the full file, it becomes a seed.

Client-Server Model in Organisational Settings:

• In environments like schools or companies, the client-server model is preferred. This is because students or employees, who are not administrators, cannot alter the server or network settings, maintaining network integrity.
• However, a disadvantage of this model is its vulnerability to hacking. If a hacker accesses the server, they could control the entire system and potentially leak information.

Peer-to-Peer Security

• In contrast to the client-server model, P2P networks have no central server. Each node independently acts as a server, reducing the likelihood of a single point of failure or attack.
• This decentralized nature can provide a level of security, as there’s less chance of unauthorized access compared to centralized client-server systems.