Hierarchical networks

Hierarchical networks are those networks where one or more computers are more powerful than the rest. Hierarchical networks are often called client-server networks because a more powerful computer called the server is used to look after printing, file maintenance and other peripherals. There are two types of server: the print server and the file server.

The file server is a computer used for managing the files on a network. It is used to store both programs and data and is generally more powerful computer than the others to which it is connected. A print server is the name given to a computer in a network which has a printer connected. This server manages all the print requests from users on the network.