What is Network Architecture?
Network architecture refers to the design framework that defines how devices, connections, and protocols are organised within a network. It covers the physical layout of devices (topology), the logical model governing communication (client-server vs. peer-to-peer), and strategies for dividing and securing the network (segmentation).
Understanding network architecture is essential because the choices made at the design stage directly affect a network's performance, security, scalability, and ease of management.
The three main areas you need to know for A2.2 are:
- Network topologies , the physical or logical arrangement of devices
- Networking models , how devices interact and share resources
- Network segmentation , dividing a network into smaller, controlled sections
Network Topologies
A network topology describes the arrangement of devices and the connections between them. The topology you choose affects reliability, scalability, cost, and troubleshooting difficulty.
Network Topology: The physical or logical arrangement of devices and the links connecting them within a network.
The main topologies you need to know are star, mesh, and hybrid.
