Investigating computer network architectures
Talking about computer networks usually involves discussions about the essential and broader concepts, for example, the elements that make up a computer network. In this debate, the computer network types deal with the area coverage, whereas physical and logical topologies deal with the computer network’s physical arrangement and logical structure. Computer network architecture represents a framework incorporating many aspects: physical and logical topology, network components, communication protocols, and operational principles and procedures. Moreover, the computer network architecture is a design that enables computers to communicate based on the request and response paradigm. The most popular network architectures are P2P and client/server.
First, let’s understand the P2P network architecture.
P2P network architecture
P2P, often known as a workgroup, is a computer network (see Figure 1.8) where hosts have no predefined roles. Instead, they switch the roles from client to server, and vice versa, based on their actual activities on the network. For example, if PC1 requests services from PC2, PC1 acts as the client, and PC2 acts as the server. Likewise, if PC2 requests services from PC1, PC2 acts as a client, and PC1 acts as the server. Usually, PANs are the best example of a P2P network:
Figure 1.8 – A P2P computer network
Important note
P2P network architecture refers to a network model where hosts or computers are equally privileged in network participation. Each host may act as a client or server depending on the request and response paradigm. But, of course, that depends on whether it requests or provides services in that network.
The next type of network architecture is the client/server architecture.
Client/server network architecture
A client/server network architecture, or a domain-based network, is a computer network (see Figure 1.7) where hosts have a predefined role. In such networks, hosts that request services are called clients, whereas hosts that provide services are called servers. The client/server network architecture has dedicated clients and servers.
We now have a greater understanding of how a network operates. However, for a computer to communicate in a network, it requires an IP address. In more detail, we will learn about this in the next section.
