Network Architecture and Network topology

On the basis of Architecture

Peer-to-Peer Architecture:

In a peer-to-peer network, each computer is separately connected to a pair, simulating a one-to-one connection. No dedicated server exists. A peer-to-peer network has an equal number of machines. Each computer connected to the network is capable of exchanging information and resources with other computers. The policy for distributing resources on the network is not set by a single entity. Each user is free to choose what information to share or not. Every computer performs both client and server roles. This set up is appropriate for home networks and small workplace networks.

Advantages:

• A peer-to-peer network can be easy to set up.
• Comparatively cheap method to add a peripheral device.
• Simple in terms of maintenance.

Disadvantages:

• Because security is not centralized, managing the network is challenging.
• Weaker security
• This network's data are dispersed.

Client Server Architecture:

Client: Computer that makes advantage of a server's services. They have less strength.

Server: Powerful computer that offers services to other computers over the internet is a server.

This network architecture uses either a client or a server for each machine connected to it. Each client is linked to a server, a centrally located dedicated computer. Powerful computers that serve as servers offer services to other computers. They are in charge of data, printers, and any other resource that customers need to use. To share all the data with the clients, the server needs to be faster and have more storage space. There are various server kinds.

• File server: Managing files or disk drives.
• Print server: It responds to printing inquiries.
• Communication server: They are configured to handle remote users phoning into your network.
• Mail server: Specifically configured to manage client email.

Advantages:

• Centralized security.
• Easy accessibility.

Disadvantages:

• Dependent on administrator.
• Expensive server.

Network Topology

Network topology refers to the physical configuration of two or more computers connected by a network across a medium. It is a connected computer's physical configuration. Network topology is the term used to describe how a network's nodes are connected to one another. It determines the information that might be exchanged between any two nodes in the network.

Features:

• Effective from a financial standpoint
• Appropriate for a small network
• It is very simple to use, set up, and manage.

Bus Topology:

Bus topology is a type of network design that uses a single circuit (such as coaxial cable, twisted wire, or fiber optics) to connect a number of computers and other devices. The complete network receives every signal in both ways. The computer or devices that receive the message are identified by the communication program. The network cannot be managed by a centralized computer. None of the computers in the network are impacted if one of them fails.

Advantages:

• Simple to install and customize.
• Inexpensive.
• Simple to extend.

Disadvantages:

• As there are more devices, performance suffers.
• Weak indications.
• Challenging troubleshooting.

Star Topology:

Star topology is a type of network topology where every computer and other peripheral is linked to a main computer. Other computers linked to the host are referred to as terminals, while the central computer is referred to as the host computer or server (clients). Mainframe systems generally employ this structure.

Advantages:

• Adding nodes to the host machine allows for simple expansion and modification.
• Processing flexibility at nearby terminals
• An easy problem to solve
• Hub supports a variety of cable types

Disadvantages:

• Hub failure will result in network failure.
• Extra cables are needed.
• May call for a device to broadcast signals once more throughout the network.

Ring Topology:

In a ring topology, all computers and other equipment are connected via closed loops (circle). The computers are grouped in a circle in this architecture. Data goes in one way around the ring. Because of the active topology, each computer is responsible for transferring data. Each computer in the network is capable of direct computer-to-computer communication and can locally process its own applications. The usage of it in local area networks is widespread.

A dual ring is used by some systems for fault tolerance. The primary approach is one ring, with the backup being the other. In the primary ring, data flow is in one direction, and in the secondary ring, it is in the opposite way. One variation of the ring network is the token ring. A token or data packet is used by every device connected to the network to communicate. This data packet contains information about the sender, the receiver addressed, and whether the token is currently in use. The packet becomes empty after it has reached the addresses.

Advantages:

• No signal quality loss as a result of retransmission.
• simple to install or to set up.
• There's no need to cut the cable.

Disadvantages:

• One malfunctioning computer can have an impact on the entire network in one ring.
• Large rings are challenging to reorganize.
• As opposed to the bus topology, it uses more cable.

Mesh Topology:

Every node on the network has a direct communication link to every other node thanks to the mesh topology. It is necessary to inspect the cable connecting to two devices before sending a message. Since each party has a unique and independent connection, a message is transferred directly from sender to recipient.

Advantages:

• Innessential links provide greater error tolerance.
• Simple to troubleshoot.

Diadvantages:

• Install and maintain difficulty.
• Expensive.

Reference:

Keyes, J. Financial Services Information Systems (Best Practices), Auerbach Publications; 2 Sub edition