Northwestern University

College of Arts and Sciences

Computer Science Department

NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

Mark Lowell Cabusas

Sheryl Natividad

Micah John Gamiao

Jeremy Ancheta

Final Requirement

for

Networking Principles
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is network architecture?

Network architecture is basically the physical and logical design

which refers to the software, hardware, protocols, and the media of

transmission of data. It refers to how computers are organized and

how tasks are allocated among these computers.

Types of Network Architecture

 Peer-to-Peer Network(P2P)

 Client/Server Network

Peer-to-Peer Architecture (P2P)

-task are allocated to every device on the network.

-there is no real hierarchy in this network.

-all computers are considered equal

-all have the same abilities to use the resources available on

this network.
-mostly used for file sharing

(Example: Napster,BitTorent, The Pirate Bay)

 -each computer that is connected to this network would act as

the server for the files stored on it.

Client/Server Architecture

It is a centralized, really powerful computer (server) acts as a

hub in which other computers or workstations (clients) can connect

to.
 This server is the heart of the system, which manages and

provides resources to any client that requests them.

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network

 Does not require a dedicated server which means it is less

costly.

 If one computer stops working, the other computers 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 computers increases on a P2P network…

performance, security, and access becomes a major headache.

Advantages of a client/server network

 Resources and data security are controlled through the server.

 Not restricted to a small number of computers.

 Server can be accessed anywhere and across multiple

platforms.
Disadvantages of a client/server network

 It 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.
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) network architecture

It was developed by International Organization for

Standarzation. OSI is an open standard for communication in the

network across different equipment and applications by different

vendors.

7 Layers Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)

1. Physical

It defines the nature of the network medium, the actual fabric of

the network that joins all computers together and the nature of the

signals transmitted over the medium.

 2. Data-Link

It defines the interface between the network medium & the

software running on the computer.

These are the several functions of data link: packet addressing,

media access control & formatting the frame used.

3. Network

It defines the functions that provide end-to-end

communications between computers on different networks. It is

responsible for directing traffic to its destination.

Its functions are: routing, packet sequencing, congestion

control, addressing, etc.

4. Transport

It provides functions that complement those of network layer

including guaranteed delivery, flow control, and end user detection.

5. Session

It provides many functions involved in the regulation of the

dialogue between 2 computers communication over the network.

 6. Presentation

It is also known as ‘syntax layer’ is responsible for translating

each computers native syntax into a common transfer syntax readable

by other computers on the network. It also provide data compression

and encryption

7. Application

It provides the interface between networking protocol stack and

the software running on the computer.

Examples: interface for email, file transfer, telnet, etc.

Summary of Layer Functions