Network Topologies VS Models/Architectures
The biggest misconception in the Networks topic is confusion between “topology” and “service model”.
Peer-to-Peer and client/server are “service models” while star, mesh, ring, bus and etc. are “topologies”.
So, what is the difference?
A service model like P2P or client/server is a logical description of the network, while a topology like mesh and star is a physical description of the network.
The network has a physical description like how packets travel in the network, how they get to their destination, and …
On the other hand, we have a logical description, which defines how nodes share files, programs, and …
Some of the topologies:
1. Mesh: A network in which all devices are connected to each other, creating multiple paths for data to travel.
2. Star: A network in which devices are connected to a central hub or switch, with all data going through the hub.
3. Hybrid: A network that combines two or more different topologies, such as a mix of ring and star topologies.
Some of the Service Models:
1. P2P (Peer-to-Peer): A distributed architecture in which devices can act as both clients and servers and data can be shared directly between devices without the need for a central server.
2. Client/server: A centralized architecture in which clients request services from a central server, which handles data storage and processing.
Note: Those are not all service models and topologies exist!
In general, the Service model is the logical relation between the nodes in the network while the topology is the physical relation and connection between nodes in the network.
Resources:
1. Peer to Peer IS NOT A MESH!
