Computer Network Architecture | Class 12

Computer Network Architecture

Computer Network Architecture is defined as the physical and logical design of the software, hardware, protocols, and media of the transmission of data. Simply we can say that how computers are organized and how tasks are allocated to the computer.

The two types of network architectures are:

• Peer-To-Peer network

• Client/Server network

Peer-To-Peer Network:

A Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network is a type of network architecture where devices, known as peers, communicate and share resources directly with each other, without the need for a central server. In a P2P network, each device can act both as a client, requesting resources, and as a server, providing resources to other peers.

Fig: Peer-To-Peer Architecture

Advantages Of Peer-To-Peer Network:

• It is less costly as it does not contain any dedicated server.

• If one computer stops working but, other computers will not stop working.

• It is easy to set up and maintain as each computer manages itself.

Disadvantages Of Peer-To-Peer Network:

• In the case of Peer-To-Peer network, it does not contain the centralized system . Therefore, it cannot back up the data as the data is different in different locations.

• It has a security issue as the device is managed itself.

Client/Server Network:

Client-server architecture is a network model where computing resources and services are divided between client devices and server systems. In this architecture, clients request services or resources from servers, which provide those services.

Fig: Client/Server Architecture

Advantages Of Client/Server network:

• A Client/Server network contains the centralized system. Therefore we can back up the data easily.

• A Client/Server network has a dedicated server that improves the overall performance of the whole system.

• Security is better in Client/Server network as a single server administers the shared resources.

• It also increases the speed of the sharing resources.

Disadvantages Of Client/Server network:

• Client/Server network is expensive as it requires the server with large memory.

• A server has a Network Operating System(NOS) to provide the resources to the clients, but the cost of NOS is very high.

• It requires a dedicated network administrator to manage all the resources.

Centralized Network:

In a centralized network, control, decision-making, and resources are concentrated in a single central point or authority. This central entity has the power to manage and coordinate the entire network. Here are the key characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of a centralized network:

Characteristics:

• Single Point of Control: All critical decisions and resource allocations are made by a central authority or server.

• Hierarchical Structure: The network follows a clear hierarchical structure, with clients or lower-level components following instructions from the central entity.

• Resource Distribution: The central entity controls the distribution of resources, data, and services to clients.

Advantages:

• Efficient Management: Centralized control simplifies network management, updates, and security implementations.

• Consistency: Policies and rules are consistently enforced across the network.

• Quick Decision-Making: Rapid decision-making is possible due to the central authority’s direct control.

Disadvantages:

• Single Point of Failure: If the central entity fails, the entire network might become inaccessible or non-functional.

• Scalability Challenges: Scaling up might require significant upgrades to the central infrastructure, leading to potential bottlenecks.

• Limited Autonomy: Lower-level components have limited decision-making power and autonomy.

Use Cases: Centralized networks are often suitable for scenarios where control, security, and consistency are paramount, such as in enterprise environments, data centers, and tightly regulated systems.

Decentralized Network:

In a decentralized network, control, decision-making, and resources are distributed among multiple points or entities. There is no single central authority that exercises full control. Instead, decision-making authority is shared, allowing each entity to contribute and participate actively. Here are the key characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of a decentralized network:

Characteristics:

• Distributed Control: Decision-making and resource management are distributed across multiple nodes or entities.

• Lack of Central Authority: There is no single central entity that controls the entire network; each component has some level of autonomy.

Advantages:

• Resilience: Decentralization reduces the risk of a single point of failure, making the network more resilient to outages.

• Scalability: Decentralized networks are generally more scalable, as additional nodes can be added without overburdening a single entity.

• Autonomy: Each component has more autonomy, allowing for faster decision-making and innovation.

Disadvantages:

• Coordination Challenges: Ensuring coordination and consistency across the network might be complex.

• Security Concerns: Decentralization can make enforcing security policies and access control more challenging.

• Potential Inefficiencies: Some resources might be underutilized, while others might be overloaded.

Use Cases: Decentralized networks are often employed in scenarios where resilience, scalability, and autonomy are important, such as peer-to-peer networks, blockchain systems, and some aspects of the Internet.