Introduction – What Is Client-Server Network? How Does It Work?

What Is Client-Server Network?

Client-server networking refers to a network setup that utilizes client hardware devices and servers. The client-server network model can be used on a LAN (local area network) or the Internet. Common examples of client-server networking include DNS (Domain Name System), web browsers and web servers, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients.

Most people experience client-server networking daily using their Internet-connected computers, smartphones, and tablets. Their devices are clients requesting access to web content, which is then delivered to them by the website’s server.

How Does Client-Server Network Work

A client-server network works as a two-way street, with clients simultaneously sending requests and sending updates and appropriate results for the requested queries.

A client-server network includes multiple clients and servers; therefore, network traffic can be heavy. To save network bandwidth, the server closes the connection to the client once the job is complete. Therefore, the speed at which results are delivered depends on the bandwidth efficiency of the client and server.

A client-server architecture can be used both on the Internet and within a local area network (LAN), such as in a company or organization.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Client-Server Network

Advantages:

1. Data can be efficiently transmitted and retrieved even if the client and server are not nearby.
2. A single server hosting all critical data in one location simplifies data protection and management of user permissions and authentication.
3. A client-server network can be expanded by adding network segments, servers, and computers without causing significant downtime.
4. The nodes of a client-server system are all self-contained, requesting data only from the server, making it simple to update, replace, and relocate nodes.
5. In a client-server network, the data transferred between the client and server is platform-independent.

Disadvantages:

1. Servers can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
2. Usually requires a network technician.
3. Trickier setups that require expertise.
4. Overall setup cost is more expensive than peer-to-peer.
5. A server failure can disrupt all computers on the network.

Types of Client-Server Network

The following are the five main client-server networks:

1. File Servers – These servers provide services for storing, retrieving, and moving data. Users can read, write, exchange and manage files with the help of file servers.
2. Printer Server – The printer server is used to control and manage printing on the network. It also provides fax services for Internet users.
3. Application Server – Computers in a network can share expensive software and additional computing power with the help of an application server.
4. Messaging Server – Used to coordinate interactions between users, documents, and applications. Data can be in the form of audio, video, binary, text, or graphics.
5. Database Server – It is an application server.

Client-Server vs Peer-to-Peer

Client-server networking is a method of managing network applications. The primary alternative to client-server networking, peer-to-peer networking, treats all devices as having equal capabilities, rather than a dedicated client or server role.

Peer-to-peer networking offers several advantages over client-server networking, such as flexibility in scaling the network to handle large numbers of clients. Client-server networks offer advantages over peer-to-peer networks, such as the ability to manage applications and data in a centralized location.

Final Words:

What is client-server network? How does client-server network work? What are the