What Is Client Server Architecture? An Overview

In this article, we look into:

1. What Is Client Server Architecture?
2. What Is the Client Server Model?
3. What is Client And Server Architecture?
4. What Are The Types Of Client Server Architecture?
5. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Client-Server Architecture
6. Client Server Architecture Examples

1. What Is Client Server Architecture?

Wondering what is client server architecture? This is the model adopted by the internet world, with which clients can ask for the resources from the server. Client-server technology is used by various companies running online. This article will briefly discuss the client server architecture program, including its types, advantages, concept or working, and client-server architecture example.

2. What Is the Client Server Model?

Now the main question to be talked about before starting with all the aspects of the subject is- what is client server architecture or the model? This is a program or a structure that divides the resources and the people requesting the resources. The place where these resources are stored is called the server, and the people requesting the resources are called clients. There is a basic client server concept behind the working of this client server network architecture, i.e., the client sends the requests to the server asking for the resources, and then the client accepts the requests and shares the resources with the client. 

3. What is Client And Server Architecture?

Client and server in client server environment are two commonly used terms based on which the whole program is made. Talking about what is a client in client server architecture, the client refers to the person who is using the program and requesting the resources. The server is the medium, which is the warehouse for the resources. It means that all the resources are stored in the client, which are requested by the client. Upon the request, the server sends the resources to the client. 

The working of the client server model working is based on these two terms. The user or the client enters the website on the address bar of the browser. Then the DNS, which is the server, searches for the website, and then it responds with the IP address of the webserver. Then the browser sends the request for HTTP/HTTPS to the IP address of the webserver.

4. What Are The Types Of Client Server Architecture?

Four types of client server architecture are commonly used by the internet and the companies working around the client server model. 

A) 1-Tier Architecture

In this type of architecture of the model, the whole program includes the user-interface, data login, and marketing logic. For instance, files present on the computer, such as MS Office files, and music files for the MP3 player are examples of 1-tier architecture. In this type of model, the client and server are embedded in the same system. 

B) 2-Tier Architecture

In this type of architecture, the client interface is stored on the client system, whereas the database is stored in the server. In this type of architecture, the server and the client are directly connected, and there is no intermediate between them. This architecture type delivers the resources at a very fast rate.

This type of system is used in the online ticket reservations program. 2-tier architecture benefits the environment in several ways because it is easy to design and offers maximum user satisfaction with the best performance. 

C) 3-Tier Architecture

This type of architecture requires a middle layer. In this type of client server architecture, when the client sends the request to the server, it does not reach the server directly; instead, it passes through the middle layer. Upon passing the middle layer, the request reaches the final layer, which is the server. The middle layer used in this architecture model increases the efficiency of the model and makes it more flexible. The three-layer are client tier, application tier, and database tier. 

D) N-Tier Architecture

This is the multitier architecture that scales the t-tier architecture. Within this architecture, the presentation application processing and data management functions are kept isolated from each other. 

5. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Client-Server Architecture

There are various advantages and disadvantages of client-server architecture. Every type of architecture has its advantages and disadvantages. This part of the article will discuss various disadvantages and advantages of client server architecture. 

A) Advantages Of Client Server Architecture

• The data is centralized within the system that is maintained in a single place. 
• The model is efficient in delivering resources to the client and also requires low-cost maintenance. 
• It is easy to manage, and the data can be easily delivered to the client. 
• As the data is centralized, this system is more secure and serves added security to the data. 
• Within this type of model, more clients and servers can be embedded into the server, which makes the performance outstanding and increases the model’s overall flexibility. 

B) Disadvantages Of Client Server Architecture

• Clients’ systems can get a virus or any malicious scripts if any are running on the server. 
• Extra security must be added so that the data does not get spoofed in between the transmission. 
• The main problem can be server down. When the server is down, the client loses its connection and will not access the data. 

6. Client Server Architecture Examples

There are various examples of client server architecture in day to day life. Given below are some client server architecture example-

Web Servers- Web servers can host various websites. These are the high-performance computer on which the websites are hosted. The client is the user, and the webserver is the server system that hosts the websites. The client or the user requests the resources or the server’s website data through the high-speed internet. 

Mail Servers- Email servers are what is used to send and receive all the emails. Various softwares allow handling email handling. 

File Servers- These are the centralized location for all the files. For instance, cloud services for Google docs and Microsoft office can be accessed from all your devices, and the files you save from your computer can be accessed from the phone. This way, the file stores are centralized and can be accessed by multiple clients. 

DNS- DNS or domain name server has multiple types of public IP addresses stored in databases. 

These were some examples of client server technology that can be seen in real life—using client server architecture programs seen everywhere in the internet world. 

Conclusion

This is the client server architecture definition. This article explains various aspects of the client server architecture program. You will find the use of these models almost everywhere on the internet.  This is what the client server architecture means.

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