Network Architecture

  • Network architecture refers to the design and structure of a computer network. It defines how computers, devices, and resources are interconnected and communicate with each other.
  • Computer Network Architecture is defined as the physical and logical design of the software,
    hardware, protocols, and media of the transmission of data.
  • This includes the layout of hardware components, software protocols, data flow mechanisms, and security measures. A well-designed network architecture ensures efficient data exchange, scalability, security, and reliability.

There are two primary types of network architectures:

  1. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Architecture
  2. Client-Server Architecture

What is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network Architecture?

  • A Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network is a decentralized network architecture where all participating devices (nodes) have equal privileges and responsibilities. Unlike a client-server model, where clients depend on a central server, in a P2P network, each device can function both as a client and a server.
  • The Peer-to-Peer network is also called P2P or computer-to-computer network. ‘Peers’ are the nodes or computer system which are connected to each other. In this kind of network, each node is connected to each other node in the network.
  • In a peer-to-peer network, each node can work as either a server as well as a client. This network does not distinguish between the client or server.

  • Each of the nodes can act as both client/server depending on whether the node is requesting or providing the service. All the nodes are functionally equal and can send or receive data directly with one another.

  • A peer-to-peer network can be configured as both wired as well as a wireless network. It is most commonly used in the Local Area Network, especially in small offices, or within a single department of a large organization.

Peer-to-peer NETWORK

Following are the advantages of using a peer-to-peer network:

  1. Easy to implement and manage.
  2. Nodes or workstations are independent of one another. Also, no access permissions are needed.
  3. The network is reliable in nature. If a peer fails, it will not affect the working of others.
  4. There is no need for any professional software in such kind of networks.
  5. The cost of implementation of such networks is very less.

Following are the disadvantages of using a peer-to-peer network:

  1. Storage is decentralized, and also not so efficiently managed.
  2. No data backup options are available in peer-to-peer networks.
  3. These kinds of networks are not so secure.

Client-Server Architecture

  • Client-server architecture is a network architecture where a server provides services or resources, and a client is a system that requests those services or resources. The client sends requests to the server over a network (such as the Internet or a local area network), and the server processes the request and responds accordingly.

  • There are various kinds of servers depending upon their use, they can be web servers (which servers HTTP requests), Database servers(which run DBMS), File server(which provides files to clients), Mail servers, print servers, Game servers, Application server, and so on. A server can contain web resources, host web applications, store user and program data, etc.

  • The general block diagram of client-server architecture is shown in the diagram below.

The Server-based network can be applied for various uses and applications. Some of them are as follows:

  1. Centralization: The server administers the whole set-up in the network. Access rights and resource allocations are also done by the server.
  2. Proper Management: Due to centralized storage, it becomes easy to find a file or some other resource.
  3. Backup and Recovery: A centralized server makes data backup and recovery possible in a convenient manner.
  4. Upgradation and Scalability: Changes in the network can be made very easily by just upgrading the server. Also, the network is easily scalable.
  5. Accessibility: Servers can be accessed remotely from various platforms in the network.
  6. Security: Rules defining security and access rights can be defined at the time of the set-up of the server.

Following are the advantages of using a server-based network:

  1. It facilitates a Centralized storage system.
  2. Centralization makes administration easy.
  3. Data can be easily backed in such networks.
  4. The network is easy to scale.
  5. Data sharing speed is high.
  6. Servers can serve multiple clients at a time.

Following are the disadvantages of using a server-based network:

  1. Dependency is more on a centralized server.
  2. If the server’s data is corrupted, all nodes will be affected.
  3. A network administrator is required.
  4. The cost of the server and network software is very high.

 

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