Network Architecture

Networks may also be classi ed into the way that they function, and the relationships shared by
computers within a network. We will cover the two primary types here.

Client-Server Architecture

Client-Server architecture is de ned as a

network which is made up of:
• A computer acting as a server
• One or more lower-power computers known
as clients connected to this server.

The most common use for servers is to store

les and databases.

Clients in this server type would contain software based on what is needed by a user.

Clients make requests to a server by sending messages, and the server responds to the client
with responding to each request message and returning appropriate results based on the request.

It is important to note that not every server is an extremely strong computer, and you get di erent
con gurations. Client-Server networks can also be made up by desktops and laptops, as well as
mobile devices when they are correctly con gured (set-up).

An example of a client-server network is when you need to access your bank account from your
computer. A client program loaded into your web browser forwards a request to the server at the
bank, which the bank server responds to by verifying the information you have supplied to it, and
returning the necessary information to your computer (the client).

Advantage of client-server architecture

Because the data is processed in a central area (the server), the integrity and security of the data
is preserved. An example is placing password protection on les and folders to ensure that only a
quali ed person may access these les and folders.

Disadvantage of client-server architecture

Running everything o of a central server places a greater risk of system overload. If too many
clients send requests to the server, the response may be failure of software or hardware, and the
slowing down of the connection.

Peer-to-peer architecture

Peer-to-peer architecture is de ned as a network where:

• Every connected computer has equal capabilities and
responsibilities.
• There are no servers, all workstations share the work load.

All computer workstations are connected to one another without a

central server. Files will be shared between peer workstations, and
printers connected to a computer will be shared with peers in the
same manner.
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Peer-to-peer networks can be set up among a few computers within an o ce or single room, but
can also be scaled up through the internet such as in uses of torrenting. Peer-to-peer networks
are very simple to set up when compared to client-server networks

Advantage of peer-to-peer architecture

• It supports distributed processing, and therefore an increased workload on the network does
not place extra burden on any single computer.

Disadvantage of peer-to-peer architecture

• It does not support centrally managed security and does not provide backup. Therefore security
is a lot less, and the risk of data loss is greater.

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