Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Small networks, such as those found in a home, are often set up as
peer-to-peer (P2P)
networks
(see Figure 3.10). The HomeGroup networking feature in Windows 7 sets up
P2P networks, for example. In a P2P network, there is no server; each of the client PCs
takes on a portion of the burden of maintaining the network. Instead of a server managing
the traffi c, all the PCs in the network listen for traffi c and grab any messages that are
addressed to them. Instead of a server storing shared fi les, the shared fi les remain on the
individual client hard disks. Another name for a P2P network is a
workgroup
.
FIGURE 3.10
A peer-to-peer network operates without a server.
Large networks often have many servers, each with specifi c functions. For example, one
might be a fi le server, one might be a print server, and one might provide Internet services.
In large organizations, a server may be a much more powerful computer than an ordinary
desktop PC, and may include many processors and a large amount of RAM.
Having a server doesn't preclude individual client PCs from sharing their available
resources with other clients. For example, you might have a central fi le server, but users
could also share folders on their own hard disks.
Ethernet
Ethernet
is by far the most popular networking technology for both personal and business
networks. As far back as two decades ago, there were several other competing network
technologies, such as Token Ring. However, Ethernet has become the predominant
