NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

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

There are two categories of network architecture:
-peer-to-peer network
-client/server network

PEER-TO-PEER:

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

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

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

-Peer-to-peer networks are ideal for very small businesses and home users.

CLIENT/SERVER :

-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 network,software and other resources on the network and provides 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

-Examples: clients on the network(company employees)access the customer database on the server.