What is Computer Network?

A computer network can be described as a system of two or more interconnected devices that can communicate using some common standards (called Protocols). You can establish a network connection using either cable or wireless media.

Every computer network involves hardware and software that connects computers and tool.

Why we need computer networks?

Computer networks helps users on the network to share the resources and in communication. Can you imagine a world now without emails, online newspapers, blog, chat and the other services offered by the internet?

The following are the important benefits of a computer network.

File Sharing: Networking of computers helps the network users to share data files.
Hardware Sharing: Users can share devices such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, hard drives etc. Without computer networks, device sharing is not possible.
Application Sharing: Network allow users to communicate using a e-mail, newsgroup, and video conferencing etc.
Network Gaming: A lot of network games are available, which allow multi-users to play from different locations.
Voice over IP(VoIP): Voice over Internet Protocol is a revolutionary change in telecommunication which allows to send telephone calls (voice data) using standard Internet Protocol(IP) rather than by traditional PSTN.

What is Network Architecture?

Network architecture is the logical and structural layout of the network, consisting of transmission equipment, software and communication Protocols, and infrastructure (i.e wired or wireless) transmission of data and connectivity between components.

The two types of widely used network architecture are peer-to-peer also known as P2P and client/server also known as tiered.

Peer-to-Peer Architecture

In a peer-to-peer network, tasks are allocated to every device on the network. Furthermore, there is no real hierarchy in this network, all computer are considered equal and all have the same abilities to use the resources available on this network. Instead of having central server which would act as the shared drive, each computer thats connected to this network would act as the server for the files stored on it.

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network

Does not require a dedicated server which means its less costly.
If one computer stops working, the other computer connected to the network will continue working.
Installation and setup is quite painless because of the built-in support in modern operating systems.

Disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network

Security and data backups are to be done to each individual computer.
As the numbers of computer increase on a P2P network...... performance, security, and access becomes a major headache.

Client/Server Architecture

Client-server architecture, architecture of a computer network in which many clients (remote processors) request and receive service from a centralized server (host computer). In a client/server network, a centralized, really powerful computer(server) acts as a hub in which other computers or workstations(client) can connect to. This server is the heart of the system, which manages and provides resources to any client that request them.

Advantages of a client/server network

Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
Not restricted to a small number of computer.
Server can be accessed anywhere and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of a client/server network

Can become very costly due to the need of a server as well as networking devices such as hubs, routers, and switches.
If and when the server goes down, the entire network will be affected.
Technical staff needed to maintain and ensure network functions efficiently.