An Overview of Network Architectures and its Types

What you learn in this article.

1 Introduction to Network Architecture

1.2 Types of Network Architecture

1.1.1 Client Server Architecture

1.1.2 Peer-to-peer Network Architecture

1.3 client server Architecture advantages and 

disadvantage

2 Peer-to-peer architecture advantages and disadvantages

2.1 Centralized and Decentralized Network

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An Overview of Network Architectures and its Types

Introduction to Network Architecture

Network architecture is the structural and logical layout of the network where software, hardware, communication protocols, and transmission media are connected to each other.

4.2. Types of Network Architecture

• Client-Server Architecture
• Peer to Peer Network Architecture(p2p)

4.2.1 Client-Server Architecture

• A client-server network is a network architecture designed for end users called clients, where clients request and receive service from a centralized server (host computer) of resources such as files, songs, videos, and data, etc.

• A server is responsible for managing all the resources such as files, directories, etc.

• The centralized controller is known as the server, and the other computers in the network are known as clients or end users.

• The server only performs the job of service. It cannot be used as a network workstation.

 

The Advantages of Client-Server Architecture

• The client-server network contains the centralized system (server). Therefore, we can back up the data easily.
• The size of the network can be expanded to any size easily.
• Clients can access data from anywhere in the world because the data is organized and stored on the web server.
• Due to the centralized computer, it is easy to manage and deliver the data to the client.
• Clients can access data faster than in a traditional system because the data is organized and stored on the server.

The Disadvantages of Client-Server Architecture

• The main problem can be that the server is down or fails for any reason, and then the client loses its connection and will not access the data.
• Client-server networks are very expensive in comparison to peer-to-peer networks.
• Skilled manpower is required to handle this type of network architecture.
• Chance to get a virus or any malicious script onto a client's computer.

 

4.2.2 Peer-to-peer Network Architecture

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a network where groups of computers are linked together with equal responsibilities and permissions for processing data.
• In peer-to-peer, each node acts as a server, and thus there is no central server in the network.
• A peer-to-peer network is useful for small environments, usually up to 10 computers.
• A peer-to-peer network is mainly used to share and download legal files.
• A p2p network is different from a client-server network. A client-server network is a connection between a client and a server computer where the server computer provides resources to the client computer.
• Kazaa and Napster are P2P network software.

The advantages of p2p networks

• File Sharing: P2P networks are used to share music, videos, software, and files quickly and easily. Using this type of network, there is no requirement for intermediate servers (USB, CD, etc.) to transfer the files.
• High performance: While a client-server network performs less effectively when more clients join the network, a P2P network can improve its performance when more clients join it. This is because each client in a P2P network is also a server that contributes resources to the network.
• Reduced costs: There is no need to invest in a separate computer for a server when setting up a P2P network. It doesn’t require a network operating system or a full-time system administrator.
• Easy to maintain: The network is easy to maintain because each node is independent of the others.
• No network manager: In a P2P network, since each node manages his or her own computer, there is no need for a network manager.

The disadvantage of peer-to-peer

• Slow performance: In a P2P network, each computer is accessed by other computers in the network, which slows down the performance of the user.
• Weak Security: Security is weak because each system only manages itself.
• Data is vulnerable: Because of no central server, data is always vulnerable to getting lost because of no backup.
• Data Backup: There is no data backup because there is no centralized server. There is no central server to manage and control the access of available data.

 

4.5 A Centralized and Decentralized Network 

Centralized Network 

A centralized network, also known as a centralized server structure, is a type of network where all users connect to a central server, which is the acting agent for all communication. Where both user accounts and communications are stored on this server. Most public instant messaging platforms also use a centralized network.

 Decentralized Network 

A decentralized network is a type of network where there is no central server. So the data or information is distributed across multiple nodes. If one node goes down, the other node continues functioning. This makes the network more secure against attacks.