---
title: "Meaning of network architecture"
subject: "Computer Networks and Security"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_7/computer_networks_and_security:network-architecture-meaning"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/network-architecture-meaning
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Meaning of network architecture

Computer Networks and Security · Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Network

- Asked in: 2071 Chaitra, 2 marks
- Video: [Network Architecture | Basics of Computer Networks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49kJHoGtRws) — Anju Anil
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/network-architecture-meaning
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/computer_networks_and_security/chapter-1

## Question

What do you mean by network architecture?

## Short answer

Network architecture is the complete design specifying hardware, software, protocols, and topology. It includes a layered protocol structure, physical topology, functional organization, transmission media, and addressing for reliability, performance, and security.

## Answer

**Network architecture** is the complete design of a computer network. It specifies how the hardware, software, protocols and connection methods are organised so that devices can communicate.

It includes:
- **Layered protocol structure** with the services and interfaces between layers (OSI and TCP/IP models).
- **Physical topology** such as bus, star or ring.
- **Functional organisation** of the network, for example client-server or peer-to-peer.
- **Transmission media, devices and addressing schemes.**

A good architecture gives reliability, performance, scalability and security. For example, the TCP/IP architecture defines four layers and the protocols at each layer.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is network architecture?
   A. Only the building where a network is housed
   B. The complete design specifying how hardware, software, protocols and connection methods are organised for communication
   C. A single protocol
   D. A type of cable
   Answer: B. It is the overall design of how network components and protocols are organised. (Key point: Meaning)

2. Which is part of network architecture?
   A. Layered protocol structure with services and interfaces
   B. Only user passwords
   C. The monitor size of hosts
   D. Only cable colour
   Answer: A. Architecture includes layered protocols, topology, functional organisation, media, devices and addressing. (Key point: Contents)

3. Which is an example of functional organisation?
   A. Bus topology
   B. Client-server or peer-to-peer
   C. Twisted pair
   D. CRC
   Answer: B. Client-server and P2P are functional organisations; bus is a topology. (Key point: Functional organisation)

## Related in Computer Networks and Security

- [What is network security](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Anetwork-security-meaning) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 8, asked 2×
- [Network design for 3-star hotel](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Ahotel-network-design) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 1

## Related in other subjects

- [CCS7 network architecture and terminology](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftelecommunications%3Accs7-architecture-terminologies) — Telecommunications, chapter 5
- [Short note: Architecture of ISDN network](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftelecommunications%3Ashort-note-isdn-architecture) — Telecommunications, chapter 8
- [SUN NFS architecture and operation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fdistributed_system%3Asun-nfs-architecture) — Distributed System, chapter 2, asked 3×
- [Accumulator based and register based architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fmicroprocessor%3Aaccumulator-register-based-architecture) — Microprocessor, chapter 6, asked 2×