Network Architecture

Network Architecture is the configuration of computers, devices and media on a network. There are two types of network architecture that is peer-to-peer network and client/server network

Category	Client/ server	Peer-to-peer
Definition	One or more computers act as a server, and the other computers on the network request services from the server.	Each computer, called a peer, has equal responsibilities and capabilities, sharing hardware (such as a printer), data, or information with other computers on the peer-to-peer network.
Size	For medium and large network	For small network fewer than 10 computers.
Operating system	Needs a specific operating system such as Windows Server 2008.	Does not need a specific operating system.
Training	Needs training	Does not need training
Set up	More difficult to set up	Easy to set up
Installation	More expensive to install	Less expensive to install
Implementation	Big corporations or organizations with high security data	Small businesses and home users

client server network

peer-topeer network

Computer Network

What Is Network?

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and transmission media.

Communication Devices

A communications device is any type of hardware capable of transmitting data, instructions, and information between a sending device and a receiving device.

Dial-up Modem A communications device that can convert digital signals to analog signals and analog signals to digital signals, so that data can travel along an analog telephone line.
Digital Modem (ISDN, DSL and Cable Modem) A communications device that sends and receives data and information to and from a digital line.
Wireless Modem Some mobile users have a wireless modem that uses the cell phone network to connect to the Internet wirelessly from a notebook computer, a smart phone, or other mobile device
Network Card Sometimes called a network interface card, is a communications device that enables a computer or device that does not have built-in networking capability to access a network.
Wireless Access Point A central communications device that allows computers and devices to transfer data wirelessly among themselves or to transfer data wirelessly to a wired network . *Wireless access points have high-quality antennas for optimal signals.
Router A communications device that connects multiple computers or other routers together and transmits data to its correct destination on a network.
Switch A connection device similar to a hub but more sophisticated, including functionality that allows it to control and manage data transmissions.
Hub A connection device that allows multiple connections to the network.

Transmission Media

Transmission media is materials or substances capable of carrying one or more signals in a communications channel. There are two types of transmission media that is Physical Transmission Media and Wireless Transmission Media

Advantage & disadvantage of network 

Advantage	Disadvantage
Easy to communicate	Expensive to build
Easy to share data & Information	Security Threats
Can share information	Bandwith issue