Computer Network Architecture

2 main architecture in computer networks

Client Server Architecture

It is a type of Computer Network in which nodes can act as a server or client .

What is a client ??

The client is a computer/device, also called a Host, that actually uses the service or accepts the information. Client devices include laptops, workstations, IoT devices, and similar network-friendly devices.

What is a Server ??

A Server in the IT world is a remote computer that provides access to data and services. Servers are usually physical devices such as rack servers, though the rise of cloud computing has brought virtual servers into the equation. The server handles processes like e-mail, application hosting, Internet connections, printing, and more.

• An application program is known as a client program, running on the local machine that requests for a service from an application program known as a server program, running on the remote machine.
• A client program runs only when it requests for a service from the server while the server program runs all time as it does not know when its service is required.
• A server provides a service for many clients not just for a single client. Therefore, we can say that client-server follows the many-to-one relationship.

example : gmail,spotify,the web browsers.

Peer-to-Peer Architecture(P2P)

There is not any concept of a Central Server. Each device is free for working as either client or server.

Although P2P has a wide array of applications, its most important one is the ability to distribute content efficiently. Things that facilitate on-demand delivery of content such as software publication and distribution, streaming and peer casting for multicasting streams, and content delivery networks, all come under this.

examples : napster :used for file sharing on the internet and storing music on PCs at those time in the 90s

Bit-torrent: it is a communication protocol that is used for file sharing and distribution of data on the internet in a decentralized manner.

Bitcoin : the talk of the town uses p2p . The cryptographic protocol is used for peer to peer payment over the internet in the form of but currency.