Client and Server model
o A client and server networking model is a model in which computers such as servers
provide the network services to the other computers such as clients to perform a
user based tasks. This model is known as client-server networking model.
o The application programs using the client-server model should follow the given below
strategies:
o An application program is known as a client program, running on the local machine
that requests for a service from an application program known as a server program,
running on the remote machine.
o A client program runs only when it requests for a service from the server while the
server program runs all time as it does not know when its service is required.
o A server provides a service for many clients not just for a single client. Therefore, we
can say that client-server follows the many-to-one relationship. Many clients can use
the service of one server.
o Services are required frequently, and many users have a specific client-server
application program. For example, the client-server application program allows the
user to access the files, send e-mail, and so on. If the services are more customized,
then we should have one generic application program that allows the user to access
the services available on the remote computer.
Client
A client is a program that runs on the local machine requesting service from the server. A
client program is a finite program means that the service started by the user and terminates
when the service is completed.
Server
A server is a program that runs on the remote machine providing services to the clients.
When the client requests for a service, then the server opens the door for the incoming
requests, but it never initiates the service.
A server program is an infinite program means that when it starts, it runs infinitely unless
the problem arises. The server waits for the incoming requests from the clients. When the
request arrives at the server, then it responds to the request.
Advantages of Client-server networks:
o Centralized: Centralized back-up is possible in client-server networks, i.e., all the
data is stored in a server.
o Security: These networks are more secure as all the shared resources are centrally
administered.
o Performance: The use of the dedicated server increases the speed of sharing
resources. This increases the performance of the overall system.
o Scalability: We can increase the number of clients and servers separately, i.e., the
new element can be added, or we can add a new node in a network at any time.
Disadvantages of Client-Server network:
o Traffic Congestion is a big problem in Client/Server networks. When a large
number of clients send requests to the same server may cause the problem of Traffic
congestion.
o It does not have a robustness of a network, i.e., when the server is down, then the
client requests cannot be met.
o A client/server network is very decisive. Sometimes, regular computer hardware
does not serve a certain number of clients. In such situations, specific hardware is
required at the server side to complete the work.
o Sometimes the resources exist in the server but may not exist in the client. For
example, If the application is web, then we cannot take the print out directly on
printers without taking out the print view window on the web.
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Client-Server Networks
Client-server networks are computer networks that use a dedicated
computer (server) to store data, manage/provide resources and control
user access.
The server acts as a central point on the network upon which the other
computers connect to.
A computer that connects to the server is called a client.
A client-server network is usually preferred over a peer-to-peer
network that doesn’t have a central server to manage the network.
Network server functions
A client-server network may have more than one server, each dedicated
to handling a specific function.
Functions may include:
Data storage
Handling security
Hosting shared applications
Managing an internet connection
Scheduling and running backups
Email services
Print jobs
Domain name services
Storing usernames and passwords to control access
Assigning levels of access to resources
Monitoring network traffic
Benefits of a client-server network
Generally more secure than peer-to-peer networks
One client computer crashing does not effect the other computers
Easier to recover files as backups can be controlled centrally by
the network administrator
Files and resources are easier to share and control from server
Improved levels of security as files are centralised
It’s easier to administrate the whole network using a server
Faster performance as each computer is only fulfilling one role
Security is potentially cheaper and easier when done centrally
Individual users do not have to worry about backups or security
Larger networks can be created
Drawbacks of a client-server network
Servers can be expensive to buy and maintain
A network technician will often be required
Trickier to set up with specialist knowledge needed
Over-all set up cost is more expensive than a peer-to-peer network
Server failure will probably disrupt all computers on the network
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