NetWare Client for DOS and MS Windows User Guide

1-4
Understanding Networking Basics
Network Types
Network Types
A network links two or more computers together to share resources and
peripherals (such as disk drives, printers, and data). There are two categories
of networks: peer-to-peer and client-server.
Peer-to-Peer Networks
The simplest peer-to-peer network has two workstations connected together,
each able to use the resources of the other. All workstations on a peer-to-peer
network are (or can be) equal. No one workstation is designated as the main
computer or central point of control.
Client-Server Networks
The client-server network has at least one workstation configured as a
NetWare server. As shown in Figure 1-1 the server is a computer running the
network operating system. The server controls communication and shared
network resources. The client workstations are the individual computers
connected to the network.
Figure 1-1 A Simple Client-Server Network
PrinterNetWare serverWorkstations
Disk
storage
Data
resources