NetworkArchitecture

Network Architecture
- Network architecture is the way network are designed to communicate

Peer-to-peer Network
A network model in which all computers can function as clients or server as needed and there's no centralized control over network resources.

Diagram:

Advantages:
Less setup cost to setup the network architecture (No need for a server)
Easy to setup - An operating sistem (such as Windows XP) already in place may only need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer operations.

Disadvantages:
Decentralized - No central repository for files and applications.
Less Security - Does not provide the security available on a client server network.

Client-Server Network
A network in which one or more computers acts as a server, and the other computers(client) on the network request services from the server.

Diagram:

Advantages:
Centralized - Resources and data security are controlled through the server
Scalability - Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase
Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated into system.
Interoperability - All components (client/network/server) work together.
Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages:
Expense - Requires initial investment in dedicated server.
Maintenance - Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation.
Dependence - When server goes down, operations will cease across the network.

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