Types of Architecture
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Peer to Peer Architecture
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Client-Server Architecture
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Diagram
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Definition
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Network model in which all
computers can function as clients or servers as needed, and there's no
centralized control over network resources.
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Network in which one or
more computers act as a server, and the other computers (clients) on
the network request services from the server.
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Advantages
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- Less startup cost to set up the network architecture as there is no need for a server.
- Easy to install and configure for the computers in the network.
- When a peer fails it will not affect other peers so the network is reliable.
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- Centralised: Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
- Scalability: adding or removing resources in the server can easily be done by configuring the server.
- Accesibility: server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
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Disadvantages
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- Decentralised: No central repository for files and applications.
- Less security: Does not provide the security available on a client/server network.
- Every user is taking care of his/her own machine.
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- Expense: Requires initial investment in dedicated server.
- Maintenance: Large networkks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation.
- Dependence: When server goes down, operations will cease across the network.
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