SOLUTIONS

Network architecture

Optimize your network architecture to meet the constraints of hyperconnection

SOLUTIONS

Network architecture

Optimize your network architecture to meet the constraints of hyperconnection

Technology is constantly evolving, driving the transition to digitization. Markets are evolving ever more rapidly.

People and systems can share large masses of data anywhere, anytime, enabling new digital solutions to be updated.

As a result, companies are forced to adapt their network architectures to meet the challenges of a hyper-connected world.

Understand the architecture of a computer network

Enterprise network architecture refers to the IT infrastructure used to provide connectivity between users, objects and applications via an address called an IP address.

This is the overall design of a computer network, which defines how the various pieces of equipment (computers, servers, network devices, etc.) are connected and communicate with each other.

All users on a network can therefore send files to each other and access the various resources shared on that network.

A VPN software is used to encrypt user data when establishing connections to websites or servers outside a local network.

To ensure the security of the entire architecture, companies use firewall software. It allows network traffic to be inspected and controlled.

Network architecture hardware requirements

Setting up a computer network requires several hardware components to ensure connectivity and smooth network operation.

Here are some of the hardware elements commonly required:

Router

The central network device that connects different networks and directs traffic between them. It plays a key role in IP address management, data packet routing and network security.

Network cables

Allows data to be transferred across the network via a wired connection. This is the case, for example, with Ethernet cables.

Inverters

(Or power backup systems) used to provide emergency power in the event of a power failure.

Switch

(Switch) Used to connect networked devices, such as computers, printers, servers and so on. It creates connections between different devices within the local area network (LAN), routing data to the appropriate recipients.

Servers

Used to host shared resources, such as files, applications, databases and so on. They provide services to other devices on the network.

Patch panels

(Patch panels) used to organize and manage the network's wired connections.

Wireless access points

(Wireless Access Points) used to enable Wi-Fi connectivity within the network.

Firewall

(Firewall) Used to protect the network by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic. It monitors and controls network connections to prevent potential threats and guarantee network security.

Patchbays and network cabinets

used to house and organize network equipment, such as routers, switches, servers and so on. They also provide appropriate ventilation and cable management.

What are the different types of computer network?

Today's computer networks differ not only in terms of size, bandwidth and throughput, but also in terms of extent and transmission method. It is therefore important to differentiate between:

PAN network

The Personal Area Network consists of a personal network that connects machines located a few meters apart.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Local area network limited to a restricted geographical area, such as an office, home or building. LANs allow users to share resources such as printers, scanners and files, and are typically used in small and medium-sized businesses. This type of network can use Ethernet cables and/or WiFi.

MAN network (Metropolitan Area Network)

Links several LANs located within the same geographical area. They can extend from 1 to 100 kilometers and link at least two LANs. They can connect several thousand users. MANs are used by companies to link hubs located in the same geographical area. They tend to use fiber optics.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

This is anetwork linking LANs and WANs together. It constitutes the most extensive network for connecting several local networks with long-distance geographical areas. The technologies employed for WAN networks vary according to location and constraints: fiber optics, cable, satellite, 4G and 5G mobile networks.

There are also other types of network, such as VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks), which enable data to be exchanged between several remote local networks securely using a protected tunnel across the Internet.

Designing computer network architecture: different topologies

Computer networks have a particular architecture with characteristics and properties: this is called the topology of a network.

Star topology

Here, all network devices are connected to a central switch, also known as a hub or switch. All communications pass through this central point, facilitating network management. However, if the central switch fails, the whole network may be affected.

Bus topology

Here, all devices are connected to a common cable, called a bus. Each device is connected directly to the bus and shares the same communication line. Data is transmitted from one device to another using electrical signals that propagate along the bus. In this way, the network will be out of action if the bus ever breaks.

Ring topology

This structure cascades the machines in a network. Each device receives data and passes it on to the next device until it reaches its destination. If one device or cable segment fails, it can affect the whole network.

Network topology

Here, each device is connected directly to every other device on the network. This creates a redundant network and offers high reliability, because if one communication path fails, the data can take another route. However, this topology requires a large number of connections and can be expensive to set up.

What are the trends in network architecture?

The latest technological trends and improvements focus primarily on security, reliability of services and readiness for integration of new technological standards and systems.

Here are the main ones:

Enhanced safety

With cyberattacks on the increase, network security is a major concern. Companies are implementing network architectures with advanced security measures, such as encryption, advanced firewalls, intrusion detection and network segmentation.

Advanced wireless networks

Wireless networks continue to expand with the advent of Wifi 6 and the future Wifi 7. These new standards offer higher data rates, better capacity and energy efficiency.

Network virtualization

Network virtualization makes it possible to create independent, isolated virtual networks within a physical infrastructure. This offers greater flexibility in network creation and management.

Cloud computing and cloud networking

More and more companies are adopting network architectures based on cloud computing. This allows network services to be moved to the cloud, offering increased flexibility, scalability and accessibility.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The expansion of the IoT is leading to a significant increase in the number of devices connected to the corporate network. Network architectures must take this growth into account and guarantee effective connectivity and management of IoT devices.

Artificial intelligence AI and machine learning

Enterprise network architecture based on AI and machine learning dramatically improves the visibility and control of IT infrastructure.