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In a P2P network, nodes can communicate Figure 7: Peer-to-peer Network Model
directly with one another, giving this
architecture greater flexibility in designing
distributed applications. This architecture
offers resiliency to change and disruption as
Computer Computer
dependencies among peer nodes are low. A
P2P structure simplifies service layering (see Hub
The OSI Seven-Layer Model in Figure 11) by
simplifying connection designs between Laptop Computer
nodes.
Source: The Institute of Internal Auditors.
A LAN, for example, could be configured as a
P2P architecture, as shown in Figure 7.

Client-server
Client-server architecture is a model based on Figure 8: Client-server Network Model
a hierarchy of service. Individual clients or
nodes (i.e., computer on a network) request
services from servers. The server(s) then
provide the service(s) to the client. This method Client Network
is beneficial for its security aspects. For
example, authentication (i.e., logon) servers Server
use a hierarchy to provide secure access to
network resources. A client provides credentials Client
to a logon server and receives an access token Source: The Institute of Internal Auditors.
or key.

For example, a LAN can be configured as a client-server architecture, as shown in Figure 8.

A single node can be both client and server, which can offer ease of planning and understanding
on small-scale or location-based network implementations.

Figure 9: Hybrid Network Architecture

Router
Client

Client Server Scanner Computer Computer Printer

Client
Source: The Institute of Internal Auditors.

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