
- Cloud Computing Basics
- Cloud Computing - Home
- Cloud Computing - Overview
- Cloud Computing - Planning
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- Cloud Computing - Architecture
- Cloud Computing - Infrastructure
- Cloud Deployment Models
- Public Cloud Model
- Private Cloud Model
- Hybrid Cloud Model
- Community Cloud Model
- Cloud Service Models
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service
- Platform-as-a-Service
- Software-as-a-Service
- Identity-as-a-Service
- Network-as-a-Service
- Cloud Advanced Concepts
- Cloud Computing - Management
- Cloud Computing - Data Storage
- Cloud Computing - Virtualization
- Cloud Computing - Security
- Cloud Computing - Operation
- Cloud Computing - Applications
- Cloud Computing - Providers
- Cloud Computing - Challenges
- Mobile Cloud Computing
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Cloud Computing Architecture
Cloud Computing architecture comprises of many cloud components, which are loosely coupled. We can broadly divide the cloud architecture into two parts:
- Front End
- Back End
Each of the ends is connected through a network, usually Internet. The following diagram shows the graphical view of cloud computing architecture:

Front End
The front end refers to the client part of cloud computing system. It consists of interfaces and applications that are required to access the cloud computing platforms, Example - Web Browser.
Back End
The back End refers to the cloud itself. It consists of all the resources required to provide cloud computing services. It comprises of huge data storage, virtual machines, security mechanism, services, deployment models, servers, etc.
Note
It is the responsibility of the back end to provide built-in security mechanism, traffic control and protocols.
The server employs certain protocols known as middleware, which help the connected devices to communicate with each other.