Network architecture is the design of a computer network. It is a
framework for the specification of a network's physical components and their functional organization and configuration, its operational principles and procedures, as well as communication protocols used.
Peer to peer architecture(P2P)-
In its simplest form, a peer-to-peer (P2P) network is created when two or more PCs are connected and share resources without going through a separate server computer. A P2P network can be an ad hoc connection—a couple of computers connected via a Universal Serial Bus to transfer files. A P2P network also can be a permanent infrastructure that links a half-dozen computers in a small office over copper wires. Or a P2P network can be a network on a much grander scale in which special protocols and applications set up direct relationships among users over the Internet.
Uses of P2P- The primary goal of peer-to-peer networks is to share resources and help computers and devices work collaboratively, provide specific services, or execute specific tasks. As mentioned earlier, P2P is used to share all kinds of computing resources such as processing power, network bandwidth, or disk storage space.
How many computers can be on a peer to peer network?
Ans- Peer-to-peer networks can be as small as two computers or as large as hundreds of systems and devices. Although there is no theoretical limit to the size of a peer-to-peer network, performance, security, and access become a major headache on peer-based networks as the number of computers increases.
Are peer to peer networks safe?
Ans-Peer-to-peer networks can be very dangerous from a security perspective. Usually
you have to open one or more internet “ports” on your computer so that the P2P network can send files to and from your machine. The problem is that you basically cannot control what goes in and out of those ports once you open them .
Client and Server architecture-
Client-server architecture is a computing model in which the server hosts, delivers and manages most of the resources and services to be consumed by the client. This type of architecture has one or more client computers
connected to a central server over a network or internet connection.
