Page 30 - ITGC_Audit Guides
P. 30
Figure 6: Network Topology Examples
Bus Star
Router
Hybrid
Ring
Router
Source: The Institute of Internal Auditors.
Network Architecture
Network architecture provides context to understand an organization’s IT structure, and there are
multiple architecture types from which to choose.
Peer-to-peer
Peer-to-peer, or P2P, architecture is typically used for networking servers or smaller end-user
systems, and is sometimes referred to as a distributed application file sharing network.
Distributed application refers to software or applications that are executed or run on multiple
nodes within the network.
A P2P architecture indicates there is no network hierarchy. Tasks are performed and data is
shared among a network’s members (nodes) via a hub. While some nodes may be more powerful
due to hardware differences or contain different data due to their purpose, the P2P network
design offers the same privileges or levels of authority among all nodes.
22 — theiia.org
