Client/Server

A network architecture which dedicates each computer on the network as a client or a server. Clients rely on servers for resources, such as files, devices, and even processing power. Client/Server architectures are typically more expensive and complex, but they have distinct advantages over peer-to-peer networks. Having files in a central location, for example, makes them easier for all the clients to access and makes it easier for them to be archived. Putting shared devices on a server (such as printers) saves cost by allowing multiple clients to share that single device. Running applications for a central server saves costs because the client machines do not have to be as powerful as the server machine.