The Basics of Computer Networks: Types of Network Architecture

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A network architecture is a way of organizing and connecting computers and other devices on a network. There are many different types of network architectures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this blog post, we will discuss two of the most common types of network architectures: client-server and peer-to-peer.

Client-Server Network Architecture

A client-server network is a type of network architecture in which there are two main types of nodes: clients and servers. Clients are the computers that request resources from the server, while servers are the computers that provide those resources.

In a client-server network, the server is typically a more powerful computer than the clients. This is because the server is responsible for managing all of the resources on the network, as well as providing them to the clients when they are requested.

Client-server networks are very common, and they are used for a wide variety of applications, including file sharing, email, and web browsing.

Components of a Client-Server Network

A client-server network consists of the following components:

• Clients: Clients are the computers that request resources from the server. Clients can be anything from a personal computer to a mobile device.
• Servers: Servers are the computers that provide resources to the clients. Servers can be anything from a dedicated server to a computer that is shared by multiple users.
• Network infrastructure: The network infrastructure is the physical network that connects the clients and servers. This can include things like cables, routers, and switches.
• Software: The software that runs on the clients and servers is what allows the network to function. This software includes things like operating systems, applications, and network protocols.

Working of a Client-Server Network

The client-server architecture works by using a request-response model. When a client needs a resource, it sends a request to the server. The server then processes the request and sends the resource back to the client.

Here is an example of how a client-server network works:

• A user on a client computer wants to access a file on a server computer.
• The client computer sends a request to the server computer asking for the file.
• The server computer checks its file system for the requested file.
• If the file is found, the server computer sends the file back to the client computer.
• The client computer receives the file and opens it.

Advantages of Client-Server Network Architecture

There are many advantages to using a client-server network architecture. Some of these advantages include:

• Scalability: Client-server networks can be scaled up or down to accommodate changes in demand.
• Security: Client-server networks can be more secure than other types of networks, because the server can control access to resources.
• Performance: Client-server networks can provide better performance than other types of networks, because the server can be dedicated to providing resources to the clients.
• Centralization: Client-server networks can centralize resources, such as data storage and applications, which can make it easier to manage and maintain the network.

Disadvantages of Client-Server Network Architecture

There are also some disadvantages to using a client-server network architecture. Some of these disadvantages include:

• Complexity: Client-server networks can be more complex to set up and manage than other types of networks.
• Cost: Client-server networks can be more expensive to set up and maintain than other types of networks.
• Single point of failure: If the server fails, the entire network may be unavailable.

Examples

• File sharing: File sharing networks allow users to share files with each other. The files are stored on a server, and users can access them from their clients.
• Email: Email networks allow users to send and receive email messages. The messages are stored on a server, and users can access them from their clients.
• Web browsing: Web browsing networks allow users to access web pages. The pages are stored on servers, and users can view them from their clients.
• Databases: Database networks allow users to access and update databases. The databases are stored on servers, and users can access them from their clients.

Peer-to-Peer Network Architecture

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a type of network architecture in which all of the nodes are equal. This means that any node can act as a client or a server.

In a P2P network, nodes can share resources with each other directly, without the need for a central server. This makes P2P networks very efficient for file sharing and other applications that require a lot of bandwidth.

P2P networks are also very scalable, and they can be used to connect a large number of nodes.

Advantages of Peer-to-Peer Networks

• Efficiency: P2P networks are very efficient for file sharing and other applications that require a lot of bandwidth.
• Scalability: P2P networks can be used to connect a large number of nodes.
• Cost: P2P networks can be very cost-effective, because there is no need for a central server.

Disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer Networks

• Security: P2P networks can be less secure than other types of networks, because there is no central authority to control access to resources.
• Performance: P2P networks can have poor performance, because they rely on the bandwidth of the individual nodes.
• Complexity: P2P networks can be more complex to set up and manage than other types of networks.

Examples

• BitTorrent is a popular file sharing protocol that uses a peer-to-peer network to distribute files. When you download a file using BitTorrent, you are not downloading it from a central server, but rather from other users who are sharing the file. This makes BitTorrent a very efficient way to download large files, as the load is distributed across many users.
• Gnutella is another peer-to-peer file sharing protocol. Gnutella is a decentralized network, meaning that there is no central server that controls the network. This makes Gnutella more resistant to censorship and surveillance than other file sharing protocols.
• Tor is a network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. Tor uses a peer-to-peer network to route traffic through multiple nodes, making it difficult to track the source or destination of a connection.
• Bitcoin is a decentralized cryptocurrency that uses a peer-to-peer network to record transactions. Bitcoin transactions are verified by network nodes, and no central authority is required to maintain the network.

Working of a Peer-to-Peer Network Architecture

Here is how a P2P network works:

1. When a user wants to join a P2P network, they must install the appropriate software on their computer. This software will allow them to connect to the network and communicate with other nodes.
2. Once a user is connected to the network, they can start sharing resources. For example, if a user wants to share a file, they can upload it to the network and other users can download it.
3. When a user wants to download a file from the network, they will be connected to multiple nodes that are sharing the file. The file will be downloaded in pieces from each of the nodes, and the pieces will be reassembled on the user’s computer.

More great stuff related to networking coming soon! Stay tuned and share and subscribe for more!

Access the The Basics of Computer Networks: Software Defined Networking (SDN) (Next post in Networking) by clicking HERE

Access the The Basics of Computer Networks: DNS and IP Address (Previous post in Networking) by clicking HERE

This is a multi-part series on DevOps 101. Access the complete DevOps series by clicking HERE