3 model of distributed system architecture
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In Distributed Systems, the architecture defines how components (processes, nodes, servers,
clients) are organized and interact over a network.
The 3 main models of Distributed System Architecture are:
1. Client–Server Model
Concept: Clients request services, servers provide services.
Clients usually run on user machines, servers on powerful nodes.
Features
Centralized server provides data/resources.
Clients only request & display.
Easy to design & manage.
Examples
Web applications (Browser = client, Web server = server).
Database systems (MySQL server with client apps).
Diagram
Clients ---> Server ---> Database/Resources
2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model
Concept: All nodes are equal (no fixed client or server).
Each node acts as both client and server.
Features
Decentralized → no single point of failure.
Scalable, robust, fault tolerant.
Examples
File sharing (BitTorrent, Gnutella).
Blockchain networks.
Diagram
Node <--> Node <--> Node
^ ^ ^
|________|________|
3. Hybrid (Client-Server + P2P) Model
Concept: Combines client-server and peer-to-peer advantages.
Often has a central server for coordination, while peers share data among themselves.
Features
Server helps in authentication, indexing, or resource discovery.
Actual communication often happens peer-to-peer.
Examples
Napster (central index server + P2P file transfer).
Skype (hybrid communication model).
Modern cloud gaming and streaming services.
Diagram
Central Server
/ | \
Peer1 <--> Peer2 <--> Peer3
✅ Summary
1. Client–Server → Centralized, simple, but single point of failure.
2. Peer-to-Peer → Fully decentralized, robust, scalable.
3. Hybrid → Balance between control (server) and flexibility (P2P).
