Running head: SERVERS 1 Running head: SERVERS 1 Debbie Utter Colorado Technical University Unit 3 IP Introduction to Operating Systems and Client/Servers Environment IT140-1503B-01 Dr. Stephan Reynolds September 11, 2015 Peer-to-peer networks and client-server networks are both distinct networking architectures, each model being suitable for different types of organizations. The main difference between these two architectures is that in Client-server networks, there is a dedicated central computer (known as a server) and the other reliable computers (clients) dependent on the server’s resources. On the other hand, in a peer-to-peer network, each computer can act as the server and client to the others. In simpler terms, if each computer in the network can fully carry out its functions independently, then it is in a peer-to-peer network. If one computer is the go-to computer for services such as file storage or the one given the capability to grant or deny access of services to the other computers, then those computers are in a client-server network. Peer-to-peer and client-server networks can both be differentiated using the various aspects as follows: (a) Performance A peer-to-peer network is only suitable for as much as 10 computers, past which performance problems will arise. An organization with more than 10 computers is best suited for a client-server network. This is because of the presence of a server that does most of the management and control duties. Also, an issue with one computer won’t necessarily interfere with the network since it’s not required to share its computing power. (b) Cost Client-server networks are basically more expensive than peer-to-peer networks, both in installation and maintenance. The server in client-server networks needs to have great computing power, and therefore you need have dedicated software to manage the network. An example of this software that does this job excellently is the Windows Server. Such programs are complicated to run, and so more costs may arise due to the need to have experts that fix any arising problems. (c) Security Client-server networks are more secure than peer-to-peer networks. The server has a function in it that can grant or reject a user’s access request to the network. This feature is important as it helps keep unwanted users, malware or malicious bots out of the network. However, it is important to note that as the more computers join the client-server network, security management becomes increasingly difficult. (d)Geographical area A peer-to-peer network is suitable when it is being set up in homes or small organizations. But for bigger organizations, such as hospitals, a client-server is ideal due to the need for technical functions in the organization. Depending on the above factors, a client-server network would work best in Health Care HQ. As earlier mentioned, Windows Server is one of the most efficient operating systems that manages client-server ne.

1. Running head: SERVERS 1
Running head: SERVERS 1
Debbie Utter
Colorado Technical University
Unit 3 IP
Introduction to Operating Systems and Client/Servers
Environment
IT140-1503B-01
Dr. Stephan Reynolds
September 11, 2015
Peer-to-peer networks and client-server networks are both
distinct networking architectures, each model being suitable for
different types of organizations. The main difference between
these two architectures is that in Client-server networks, there
is a dedicated central computer (known as a server) and the
other reliable computers (clients) dependent on the server’s
resources. On the other hand, in a peer-to-peer network, each

2. computer can act as the server and client to the others. In
simpler terms, if each computer in the network can fully carry
out its functions independently, then it is in a peer-to-peer
network. If one computer is the go-to computer for services
such as file storage or the one given the capability to grant or
deny access of services to the other computers, then those
computers are in a client-server network.
Peer-to-peer and client-server networks can both be
differentiated using the various aspects as follows:
(a) Performance
A peer-to-peer network is only suitable for as much as 10
computers, past which performance problems will arise. An
organization with more than 10 computers is best suited for a
client-server network. This is because of the presence of a
server that does most of the management and control duties.
Also, an issue with one computer won’t necessarily interfere
with the network since it’s not required to share its computing
power.
(b) Cost
Client-server networks are basically more expensive than peer-
to-peer networks, both in installation and maintenance. The
server in client-server networks needs to have great computing
power, and therefore you need have dedicated software to
manage the network. An example of this software that does this
job excellently is the Windows Server. Such programs are
complicated to run, and so more costs may arise due to the need
to have experts that fix any arising problems.
(c) Security
Client-server networks are more secure than peer-to-peer
networks. The server has a function in it that can grant or reject
a user’s access request to the network. This feature is important
as it helps keep unwanted users, malware or malicious bots out
of the network. However, it is important to note that as the more
computers join the client-server network, security management
becomes increasingly difficult.
(d)Geographical area

3. A peer-to-peer network is suitable when it is being set up in
homes or small organizations. But for bigger organizations,
such as hospitals, a client-server is ideal due to the need for
technical functions in the organization.
Depending on the above factors, a client-server network would
work best in Health Care HQ.
As earlier mentioned, Windows Server is one of the most
efficient operating systems that manages client-server networks.
It is a platform through which network applications and web
services are developed and run on. It is one of the many
Microsoft products. The two major operating systems releases
are Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012. Both offer
the following services: file sharing, print sharing, user
administration, application server, Dynamic host configuration
protocol [DHCP], domain name system [DNS], and backing up
data.
Windows Server 2012 has notable improvements from the
Windows Server 2008 (which was an earlier release) that
greatly enhances its functionality.
In terms of file management, the 2012 release has Dropbox’s
functionality incorporated into it by means of Work Folders.
This is software that gives you a highly functional, secure file
replication service. Work Folders can efficiently keep copies of
files on the server and other client computers. A client can also
easily request and get a file as long a connection with the server
is established.
Another feature include in Windows Server 2012 is the
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server Failover.
This feature now allows two DHCP servers to sync information
about the same instance. If one server goes down, the other
server instantaneously takes over responsibility of managing the
clients.
Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is another
improved feature in Windows Server 2012. It is a suite of
additions to Domain Name Systems (DNS) which protects the
network traffic from outside attacks. It is able to do this by

4. validating a digital signature to each DNS response, after which
the resolver can verify the authenticity of DNS data, even from
untrusted DNS server.
RECOMMENDATION
In conclusion, Windows Server 2012 offers improved
performance to deal with high latency and variable network
conditions. It is reliable in that it offers new ways to reduce
network downtime and at the same time enhancing the
network’s performance. The OS is also easily responsive to any
change in other networking devices. It has low latency which
means that the end-to-end transaction processing that happens
in applications is greatly reduced.
Running head: SERVERS 1
Running head: SERVERS 1
Debbie Utter
Colorado Technical University
Unit 3 IP
Introduction to Operating Systems and Client/Servers
Environment
IT140-1503B-01
Dr. Stephan Reynolds
September 11, 2015

5. Peer-to-peer networks and client-server networks are both
distinct networking architectures, each model being suitable for
different types of organizations. The main difference between
these two architectures is that in Client-server networks, there
is a dedicated central computer (known as a server) and the
other reliable computers (clients) dependent on the server’s
resources. On the other hand, in a peer-to-peer network, each
computer can act as the server and client to the others. In
simpler terms, if each computer in the network can fully carry
out its functions independently, then it is in a peer-to-peer
network. If one computer is the go-to computer for services
such as file storage or the one given the capability to grant or
deny access of services to the other computers, then those
computers are in a client-server network.
Peer-to-peer and client-server networks can both be
differentiated using the various aspects as follows:
(a) Performance
A peer-to-peer network is only suitable for as much as 10
computers, past which performance problems will arise. An
organization with more than 10 computers is best suited for a
client-server network. This is because of the presence of a
server that does most of the management and control duties.
Also, an issue with one computer won’t necessarily interfere
with the network since it’s not required to share its computing
power.
(b) Cost
Client-server networks are basically more expensive than peer-
to-peer networks, both in installation and maintenance. The
server in client-server networks needs to have great computing
power, and therefore you need have dedicated software to
manage the network. An example of this software that does this
job excellently is the Windows Server. Such programs are

6. complicated to run, and so more costs may arise due to the need
to have experts that fix any arising problems.
(c) Security
Client-server networks are more secure than peer-to-peer
networks. The server has a function in it that can grant or reject
a user’s access request to the network. This feature is important
as it helps keep unwanted users, malware or malicious bots out
of the network. However, it is important to note that as the more
computers join the client-server network, security management
becomes increasingly difficult.
(d)Geographical area
A peer-to-peer network is suitable when it is being set up in
homes or small organizations. But for bigger organizations,
such as hospitals, a client-server is ideal due to the need for
technical functions in the organization.
Depending on the above factors, a client-server network would
work best in Health Care HQ.
As earlier mentioned, Windows Server is one of the most
efficient operating systems that manages client-server networks.
It is a platform through which network applications and web
services are developed and run on. It is one of the many
Microsoft products. The two major operating systems releases
are Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012. Both offer
the following services: file sharing, print sharing, user
administration, application server, Dynamic host configuration
protocol [DHCP], domain name system [DNS], and backing up
data.
Windows Server 2012 has notable improvements from the
Windows Server 2008 (which was an earlier release) that
greatly enhances its functionality.
In terms of file management, the 2012 release has Dropbox’s
functionality incorporated into it by means of Work Folders.
This is software that gives you a highly functional, secure file
replication service. Work Folders can efficiently keep copies of
files on the server and other client computers. A client can also
easily request and get a file as long a connection with the server

7. is established.
Another feature include in Windows Server 2012 is the
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server Failover.
This feature now allows two DHCP servers to sync information
about the same instance. If one server goes down, the other
server instantaneously takes over responsibility of managing the
clients.
Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is another
improved feature in Windows Server 2012. It is a suite of
additions to Domain Name Systems (DNS) which protects the
network traffic from outside attacks. It is able to do this by
validating a digital signature to each DNS response, after which
the resolver can verify the authenticity of DNS data, even from
untrusted DNS server.
RECOMMENDATION
In conclusion, Windows Server 2012 offers improved
performance to deal with high latency and variable network
conditions. It is reliable in that it offers new ways to reduce
network downtime and at the same time enhancing the
network’s performance. The OS is also easily responsive to any
change in other networking devices. It has low latency which
means that the end-to-end transaction processing that happens
in applications is greatly reduced.