Unit Outcomes addressed in this assignment:

• Define the concept of “system” as it relates to computers.
• Identify the components of a computer system.
• Distinguish how components of a computer system communicate with each other through standards and protocols.

Course Outcome addressed in this assignment: 

IT332-2: Analyze the computer as a system.

Purpose

There are different types of computer systems architectures that must be tailored to a specific type of network and meet the specific requirements of the organization. This assignment will help you understand each architecture and help you decide which one a company should adopt.

Assignment Instructions

You are a systems architect and are asked by your manager to write a 2-page paper (executive summary) explaining to the company chief technology officer (CTO) the different types of computer system architectures available and making a recommendation on what your company should adopt.

You are not bound by network size, network requirement, applications, or hardware; feel free to architect for any imaginary company you wish, just be sure to cover the following concepts:

• Peer-to-peer architecture
• Client/server architecture
• Web-based computing
• The network and protocols supporting the various architectures

Your paper should present a brief explanation of the three types of computer system architectures: peer-to-peer, client/server, and web-based. The paper should highlight the differences and use cases for each.

Additionally, it should propose one architecture, explain it in more detail, and outline the supporting infrastructure that makes it work end to end, which may include communication protocols, routers, switches, LAN, and WAN.

Assignment Requirements

Your paper should be 2 pages in length. Be sure to use the appropriate APA format and cite your textbook or other sources that you used in the paper.

The paper should contain sufficient information to adequately answer the questions and contain no spelling, grammar, or APA errors. Points deducted from the grade for each writing, spelling, or grammar error are at your instructor’s discretion. 

For assistance with APA requirements, please go to Academic Writer. You will find the link in the Academic Tools section of the course.

Also, review the university policy on plagiarism. If you have any questions, please contact your professor.