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Network architecture means design of computers, devices and media in a network. The computer network can be designed using different ways. The most popular network architectures are described below.
File-Server Network
In File-Server computer network, a powerful computer having disk with large storage capacity and processing power is installed as central computer. This central computer is known as File-Server, Network Server, Application Server or simply a Server. A File-Server stores and manages files. The data files and software are stored on the Server. The individual computers on a network, called nodes, access the data files and software on the Server. It means that, the File-Server is used to store files and to forward them to nodes that request for them.
Client/Server Network
In Client/Server network, the clients are the nodes, or computers on the network and a Server is a central computer that controls the network. A server, sometimes called the “host compute?” controls the, hardware and software on the network and provides a centralized storage area for programs and data in Client/Server arrangement, processing is usually done by the Server, and only the results are sent to the client. The clients request to the Server to access, to store or to process data. This type of arrangement requires special software for both individual nodes and the Server. Client/Server network may be LAN or WAN.
For example, in a Client/Server network, a database is stored on the Server and the Client computers access the database. The Server portion of the DBMS (Database Management system) is stored on the Server that allows the Clients to add information in database or extract information from database. Similarly, the client portion of DBMS is stored on each Client computer through which request is sent to the Server to access the database. The Server processes the data and sends the result to the Client computer. Using the Client software, the user sends a request to the Server. The Server software searches the database and sends the result back to the Client computer.
Peer-to-Peer Network
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network is also known as workgroup. In this arrangement all nodes on the network have equal status or relationships to all others. Each computer stores files on its own storage devices or resources as and when required.
Peer-to-Peer network is used in small offices or schools, where primary purpose of the network is to share storage and printers. A Peer-to-Peer network can also include a Server. In this case, a Peer-to-Peer local area network is similar to a File Server network.