So You Need a Network, Now What?
For most businesses there are two basic network types a “client-server” network in which you have a server.  And a “peer-to-peer” network in which there is no server.  So which is right for you?  That depends.  Let’s start by discussing a peer-to-peer network.

Typically peer-to-peer networks are found in smaller business environments.  Most of our clients that have peer-to-peer networks have five or fewer PC’s.  The Microsoft definition of a peer-to-peer network is a maximum of 10 computers linked together, but not via a server.  Peer networks are typically found when the only real need for resource sharing comes in the form of the internet, data files, and printers.  The disadvantages of a peer network revolve around management.  Within these networks PC and user management must take place on each individual PC.  Let’s look at an example of this.

Let’s say you have five PC’s on your network.  Each user is in charge of certain projects that contain data files that need to be accessed by all other users.  In order for this to take place each user’s name and password needs to be set on all 5 PC’s and this information must be identical on each of them.  The owner “Stuart” also has confidential information that other should not have access to.  It comes to
Stuart’s attention that someone else has his password.  At this point, Stuart needs to log into each of the 5 PC’s and change his password in order to keep his files confidential.  This can be somewhat cumbersome change to make.

The example above is relatively simple but is true of all management inside peer networks.  A more relevant example may be the user’s ability to install software.  Downloaded and installed software from the internet could potentially damage or slow the PC with viruses or spyware.  Controlling the user’s ability to do this would need to be done from each station and each individual user who logs into that station.  This, as you can see, is a management hassle.  Never the less, peer networks are a good tool to accomplish resource sharing in the right environment.      

Now, what about server based networks?  There are many benefits to a server based solution (aka, client & server network).  In general, implementing a server brings a “center point” to your network through which all PC security, user file access, backups, and network traffic flow.  There are many examples that illustrate the benefit of a server below, we will outline a few:

• With a server based solution you can centrally manage all PC’s and make sure current updates are applied.

• You can limit user’s ability to install software that potentially could damage or slow the PC with viruses or spyware.  Not to mention the legality of the software being installed may be an issue.

• In fact, if you realy wanted to tighten security, you could make it so when a user logs in all they have are the icons on the desktop that they need to use.  They wouldn’t even see a “Start” button.

• Implementation of “roaming profiles” is possible with a server based solution.  This allows users to log into multiple PC’s and see the same desktop with all the tools they need on each PC. 

• Allow users to save documents on their local computer and then redirect them to the server so they are backed up from a centralized backup solution.

• File security for Confidential or employee files is greatly enhanced.  Users are assigned security privileges when they logged into the server.  These privileges dictate what can be accessed regardless of the user’s location.

The main advantage of a server based solution revolves around increased network performance, increased network stability, and centralized management.  Over the long run, these factors provide a better platform for your business needs.

So when do you need a server?  The reality of that question is more than likely driven by the software companies you are associated with.  If you have industry specific software, they may require a server based network regardless of your size.  If not, some justifications for servers are of course the benefits listed above, but also the need for databases and reporting for your organization.  The need for greatly enhanced email flexibility, calendar, and contact sharing may justify a product like Microsoft’s Small Business Server.  This is a great tool and a very attractive price point for small to medium sized businesses.

For most business these decisions are the main points on what you should be doing for your network.  Of course, there will always be different variants for all business but this is a good foundation for the decision making process as you consider your computer networking needs.

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