Network Architecture
Four Network Architecture: 1. HOST BASED ARCHITECTURE 2. CLIENT-BASED ARCHITECTURE 3. CLIENT-SERVER ARCHITECTURE 4. CLOUD ARCHITECTURE

HOST BASED ARCHITECTURE * The early types of data communications networks used host-based architecture. The host was usually a mainframe which performed the functions of data storage, data access, application logic, and presentation logic. In this architecture, the client was usually a terminal. A major problem with this architecture is that the host is required to do all the processing and as the number of applications grows on a given network, processing will slow-down significantly. The only solution will be to upgrade the host, which is usually very expensive. Because of this, since late 1980's organizations moved toward the use of Local Area Networks which is a client-based architecture.

CLIENT-BASED ARCHITECTURE * In a client-based architecture, the client, usually a low-cost microcomputer does a good amount of processing functions. More specifically, the client performs the data access, application logic, and presentation logic. The host, a server, simply stores the data. As the amount of data and the number of applications grow in this type of architecture, more and more data needs to travel on the network circuit so that the clients can process it. Demand for network circuit capacity increases and as such, the overall network performance decreases.

CLIENT-SERVER ARCHITECTURE * In the client/server architecture, the client and the server share the processing. Usually, the client performs the presentation logic and the server performs the data access and data storage. Either the server or the client performs the application logic or they can divide the tasks involved in this function.

CLOUD ARCHITECTURE * the systems architecture of the software systems involved in the delivery of cloud computing, typically involves multiple cloud components communicating with each other over loose coupling mechanism such as messaging queue. * Cloud computing architecture refers to the components and subcomponents required for cloud computing. These components typically consist of a front end platform (fat client, thin client, mobile device), back end platforms (servers, storage), a cloud based delivery, and a network (Internet, Intranet, Intercloud). Combined, these components make up cloud computing architecture.

Terminologies
Network
* A collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, or various other devices connected to one another allowing for data to be shared and used.
Network architecture * It refers to the layout of the network, consisting of the hardware, software, connectivity, communication protocols and mode of transmission, such as wired or wireless. * It is the complete framework of an organization's computer network.
Host Based Architecture * It is a kind of computer networks in which the host was usually a mainframe which performed the functions of data storage, data access, application logic, and presentation logic. In this architecture, the client was usually a terminal.
Client-Based Architecture * It is a kind of computer architecture in which the client, usually a low-cost microcomputer does a good amount of processing functions. More specifically, the client performs the data access, application logic, and presentation logic. The host, a server, simply stores the data.
Client-Server Architecture * In the client/server architecture, the client and the server share the processing. Usually, the client performs the presentation logic and the server performs the data access and data storage. Either the server or the client performs the application logic or they can divide the tasks involved in this function.

Cloud Architecture * the systems architecture of the software systems involved in the delivery of cloud computing, typically involves multiple cloud components communicating with each other over loose coupling mechanism such as messaging queue.
Front-end Platform * It includes platforms called clients or cloud clients. These clients comprise client’s computers(computer network),servers, fat clients, thin clients, tablets and mobile devices. These platforms interact with the Cloud data storage via an application(middleware) or a web browser, or a virtual session. These application act as a user interface in the whole system. Not all cloud computing systems have the same user interface, for e.g. services like Web-based e-mail programs access web browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome etc. Other type of systems has some unique application which provides the network access to its clients.
Back-end Platform * A online network storage where data is stored and accessible to multiple clients. That is, on the back end of the system there are various computers, servers and data storage system. Actually if you see in theory, it can include any system or any type of computer machine program which can be created such as from data processing to video games. Usually, every application would have its individual dedicated server for services.