Centralized Networking
Centralized networking is a network architecture where control, management, and data flow are concentrated in a central point or a few key nodes, such as a main server or hub. This approach simplifies administration and security by providing a single point of oversight, but it can create bottlenecks and single points of failure. It is commonly contrasted with decentralized or distributed networking models.
Developers should learn about centralized networking when designing systems that require strict control, easy monitoring, or centralized security policies, such as in corporate intranets, traditional client-server applications, or managed cloud services. It is particularly useful in scenarios where consistency and centralized updates are prioritized over scalability and fault tolerance, making it a foundational concept for understanding network design trade-offs.