WHAT IS NETWORK architecture?

The configuration of computers, devices and media on a network.

Categories of network architecture

PEER TO PEER NETWORK                                                                       

                      CLIENT SERVER NETWORK

PEER TO PEER NETWORK

    •A simple, inexpensive network that typically connects fewer  than 10 computers.

•Each computer, called a peer, has equal responsibilities and capabilities.

•Sharing hardware (such as a printer), data or information with other computers on the peer-to-peer network.

•Each computer stores files on its own storage devices. Thus, each computer on the network contains both the server operating system and application software.

CLIENT SERVER NETWORK

•One or more computers act as a server, and the other computers on the network request services from the server.

•Server, sometimes called a host computer, controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on the network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data and information.

•The clients are other computers and mobile devices on the network that rely on the server for its resources.

•For example, a server might store a database of customers. Clients on the network (company employees) access the customer database on the server.