NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

Two types of Network Architecture:

1. Peer-to-Peer Model
2. Client-server Model

Peer-to-Peer Model:
In a peer-to-peer network, networked computers act as equal partners, or peers. As peers, each computer can take
on the client function or the server function. Computer A may request for a file from Computer B, which then
sends the file to Computer A. Computer A acts like the client and Computer B acts like the server. At a later time,
Computers A and B can reverse roles.

In a peer-to-peer network, individual users control their own resources. The users may decide to share certain
files with other users. The users may also require passwords before they allow others to access their resources.
Since individual users make these decisions, there is no central point of control or administration in the network.
In addition, individual users must back up their own systems to be able to recover from data loss in case of
failures. When a computer acts as a server, the user of that machine may experience reduced performance as the
machine serves the requests made by other systems.

As networks grow, peer-to-peer relationships become increasingly difficult to coordinate. A peer-to-peer network
works well with ten or fewer computers. Since peer-to-peer networks do not scale well, their efficiency
decreases rapidly as the number of computers on the network increases. Also, individual users control access to
the resources on their computers, which means security may be difficult to maintain. The client/server model of
networking can be used to overcome the limitations of the peer-to-peer network.

Peer-to-peer networks are relatively easy to install and operate. No additional equipment is necessary beyond a
suitable operating system installed on each computer. Since users control their own resources, no dedicated
administrators are needed.

The advantages of peer-to-peer:

• No need for a network administrator
• Network is fast/inexpensive to setup & maintain
• Each PC can make backup copies of its data to other PCs for security.
• Easiest type of network to build, peer-to-peer is perfect for both home and office use.
Client-server Model:
The term client-server refers to a popular model for computer networking that utilizes client and server devices
each designed for specific purposes. The client-server model can be used on the Internet as well as local area
networks (LANs). Examples of client-server systems on the Internet include Web browsers and Web servers,
FTP clients and servers, and DNS.

In a client/server arrangement, network services are located on a dedicated computer called a server. The server
responds to the requests of clients. The server is a central computer that is continuously available to respond to
requests from clients for file, print, application, and other services. Most network operating systems adopt the
form of a client/server relationship. Typically, desktop computers function as clients and one or more computers
with additional processing power, memory, and specialized software function as servers.

Servers are designed to handle requests from many clients simultaneously. Before a client can access the server
resources, the client must be identified and be authorized to use the resource. Each client is assigned an account
name and password that is verified by an authentication service. The authentication service guards access to the
network. With the centralization of user accounts, security, and access control, server-based networks simplify
the administration of large networks. The concentration of network resources such as files, printers, and
applications on servers also makes it easier to back-up and maintain the data. Resources can be located on
specialized, dedicated servers for easier access. Most client/server systems also include ways to enhance the
network with new services that extend the usefulness of the network.

The centralized functions in a client/server network has substantial advantages and some disadvantages.
Although a centralized server enhances security, ease of access, and control, it introduces a single point of failure
into the network. Without an operational server, the network cannot function at all. Servers require a trained,
expert staff member to administer and maintain. Server systems also require additional hardware and specialized
software that add to the cost.
Client/server describes the relationship between two computer programs in which one program, the client, makes
a service request from another program, the server, which fulfill the request. Although programs within a single
computer can use the client/server idea, it is a more important idea in a network. In a network, the client/server
model provides a convenient way to interconnect programs that are distributed efficiently across different
locations. Computer transactions using the client/server model are very common. For example, to check your
bank account from your computer, a client program in your computer forwards your request to a server program
at the bank. That program might in turn forward the request to its own client program that sends a request to a
database server at another bank computer to retrieve your account balance. The balance is returned back to the
bank data client, which in turn serves it back to the client in your personal computer, which displays the
information for you.

Advantages:Flexibility of the system, scalability, cost saving, centralized control and implementation of
business rules, increase of developers productivity, portability, improved network and resource utilization.

Client-server Vs Peer-to-Peer Network:

Advantages of a Peer-to-Peer Network Advantages of a client-server Network

Less Expensive to implementation Provides of better security.
Does not require additional specialized network Easier to administer when the network is large because
administration softwares. administration is centralized.
Does not require a dedicated network administrator. All date can be backed up on one central location.
Disadvantages of a Peer-to-Peer Network Disadvantage of a Client-server Network
Does not scale well to large network and Requires expensive, specialized network
administration become unmanageable. administrative and operational software.
Less Secure Requires a professional administrator.
All machine sharing the resources negatively impact Has a single point of failure. User data is unavailable if
the performance. the server is down.
Each user must be trained to perform administrative Requires more expensive, more powerful hardware for
tasks. the server machine.

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network-notes-pu.pdf