22/08/2018

Networks

• Types of Networks

• Network Topologies

• Network Architecture
Peer-to-peer, Client/Server

Network Architecture

Definition:
• Network architecture is the design of a communication
network. It is a framework for the specification of
a network's physical components and their functional
organization and configuration, its operational principles
and procedures, as well as data formats use.
• It's basically the physical and logical design which refers
to the software, hardware, protocols and the media of
transmission of data. Simply put, it refers to how
computers are organized and how tasks are allocated
among these computers.

• -The two types of widely used network architectures are

– peer-to-peer aka P2P
– client/server aka tiered.

ICS 2103: Computer Networks / BTC 1203: Introduction to Computer Networks James N. Gikera

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 22/08/2018

Network Architecture

peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture

• A peer-to-peer (P2P) network in which interconnected nodes ("peers")
share resources amongst each other without the use of a centralized
administrative system.
• Tasks are allocated to every device on the network Instead of having a
central server which would act as the shared drive. Thus each computer
that's connected to this network would act as the server for the files stored
on it. There is no real hierarchy as all computers are considered equal and all
have the same abilities to use the resources available on this network.

ICS 2103: Computer Networks / BTC 1203: Introduction to Computer Networks James N. Gikera

Network Architecture

peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network
• Does not require a dedicated server which means its less costly.
• If one computer stops working, the other computers connected to the
network will continue working.
• Installation and setup is quite painless because of the built-in support in
modern operating systems.

Disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network

• Security and data backups are to be done to each individual computer.
• As the numbers of computers increases on a P2P network... performance,
security, and access becomes a major headache.

• UseCase: P2P technology helped the P2P clients upload and download files
over the P2P network services. E.g. BitTorrent client which is used by several
file sharing applications e.g. FDM, WireShare, StealthNet, LimeWire etc.
• BitTorrrent is a peer-to-peer file transfer protocol for sharing large amounts of data over the Internet, in which each part of a file
downloaded by a user is transferred to other users. LimeWire was cross-platform file sharing software that was legally blocked
from the operation because people used it to illegally share music.
ICS 2103: Computer Networks / BTC 1203: Introduction to Computer Networks James N. Gikera

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 22/08/2018

Network Architecture

Client/Server Architecture
• In a client/server network, a centralized, really powerful
computer(server) acts as a hub in which other computers or
workstations(clients) can connect to. This server is the heart of the
system, which manages and provides resources to any client that
requests them.

ICS 2103: Computer Networks / BTC 1203: Introduction to Computer Networks James N. Gikera

Network Architecture

Client/Server Architecture

Advantages of a client/server network

• Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
• Not restricted to a small number of computers.
• Server can be accessed anywhere and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of a client/server network

• Can become very costly due to the need of a server as well as networking
devices such as hubs, routers, and switches.
• If and when the server goes down, the entire network will be affected.
• Technical staff needed to maintain and ensure network functions
efficiently.

ICS 2103: Computer Networks / BTC 1203: Introduction to Computer Networks James N. Gikera

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 22/08/2018

Network Architecture

~Quiz~
• Giving an example of each, differentiate between a
client/server network and a peer-to-peer network.
• Describe the two types of network architectures. Use
diagrams.
• Using diagrams, differentiate between a client/server network
and a peer-to-peer network.

~Own Reading~
• Research and list four areas of real life applications for each of
the two types of network architectures, i.e client/server
network and a peer-to-peer network.

ICS 2103: Computer Networks / BTC 1203: Introduction to Computer Networks James N. Gikera