The logical connection of nodes in a computer network is called network architecture. In this chapter, we will discuss network architecture, its types, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Summary

  • Network architecture is the logical structure that determines the nature of data flow in a network.
  • There are three common types of network architecture: Client/Server Architecture, Peer-to-Peer Architecture, and Centralized Network Architecture.

What is Network Architecture?

Network architecture refers to the logical connection between the hardware and software elements in a network which determines how the data is transmitted over that network. It gives us an idea of the possible ways data can be communicated over a network.

For example: When there are many computers in a network named as Computer-1, Computer-2, Computer-3, ..., and Computer-n. When data has to travel from Computer-1 to Computer-3, network architecture tells us how the data can reach to Computer-3 from when transmitted from Computer-1.

Types of Network Architecture

Three types of Network Architecture are commonly used. They are:

  • Client/Server Architecture
  • Peer-to-Peer Architecture
  • Centralized Network Architecture

Client/Server Architecture

In client/server architecture, server acts as the central commanding system of the network and all other nodes (or workstations) are dependent upon it for sharing of resources and overall communication purpose. The server acts as the highest unit in this network architecture.

☞ Advantages

  • Server acts as the central point for data communication so, resources and data security can be well maintained by proper maintenance of the server.
  • Many nodes can be connected in the same network.

☞ Disadvantages

  • Client/Server Architecture is a costly network architecture due to the requirement of expensive server, workstations, hubs, routers, switches, etc.
  • Since the entire connection is dependent upon the server, its failure cause the network to go down.

Peer-to-Peer Architecture

In general, the word 'peer' means friends.

In peer-to-peer architecture of computer network, all computers are interconnected and data is shared directly from nodes to nodes. There is no such highest unit in this system because in this architecture, each node is capable of doing what every other are.

Operating systems used in such network are Windows 2000, Windows 8, Macintosh Operating System, etc.

☞ Advantages

  • Having no centralized host, security of content, data and information is in the hands of respective users.
  • Failure of one computer doesn't affect the performance of the entire network.
  • Installation and setup cost is inexpensive.

☞ Disadvantages

  • Since there is no centralized host, data security remains as a problem in this network.
  • Each addition of new node will decrease the performance of the network.

Centralized Network Architecture

In this network architecture, there lies a server which acts as the central processing unit and provides services and facilities to all other nodes in the network. Nodes are usually powerful workstations that depend upon the server for processing capabilities.

Operating systems used are Linux or UNIX.

☞ Advantages

  • It is inexpensive to establish this system of network.
  • Data and information can be secured if the host or server computer is well-protected.
  • High storage facility due to centralized storage system.

☞ Disadvantages

  • Failure of the host affects the entire network.
  • Data processing takes longer time.
  • Addition of other nodes in the network, after its establishment, is difficult.

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