Client Server Architecture

Client-Server architecture is a popular network based architecture.

In client-server architecture, we have a centralized server which receives request from clients (another computers). On receiving the request server process it and sends the response back to the client. In short we can say, service requestors are clients while the service provider is server.

 

 

Server is a powerful computer system which is responsible to manage file servers or printer servers or network servers or other services or all at same time. Server has the capability of handling multiple requests simultaneously.

 

Clients are the computer systems in the network that heavily depends on the server for resources like files, printers or other devices. A client can be situated on workstations or is a personal computer whereas server is located at other place in same network.

 

Client and servers may reside on the same system as well.

Examples of client-server architecture 

• Internet,
• WWW,
• Email,
• Network Printers

Important components

1. clients,
2. server(s),
3. network

Advantages of client-server network

There are several advantages that client-server architecture has to offer:

 

Resource Sharing

Client-Server architecture enhances resource sharing. Like a single resource (say printer) can be shared by multiple clients (computers) coming up with requests (printing requests). Server will manage these request and would let these request served based on FIFO or some other algorithm.

This ensures effective and maximum utilization of available resources in the network.

 

Easy Maintenance

As all the requests are served from the server so managing and maintaining resources becomes easy. Resources can be placed on server from where they can be requested by the clients easily. It’s not required to individually place the resources on every client.

 

Less Memory for client:

As we don't need all the resources to be installed or stored on the client machines so they can work with low memory. The resource that is required is requested from the server and supplied on demand. 

 

Cost-effective for organization

This architecture helps reduce installation cost for the organization in long run.

 

 

Disadvantage of client-server network

There are several advantages that client-server architecture has to offer:

 

Propagation of viruses or malware

As we know the resource in client-server architecture is shared so in case a single file on the server contains virus then it is sure to impact all the system on the network that access that affected resource.

Proper check is required on all the resources that is placed on the server by network admin.

 

Servers can be bottlenecked

As number of clients can try to connect to a server simultanously so this can also result in servers to get bottlenecked thus impacting their speed and accuracy of service on certain occasions.