What Is Client-Server Architecture? | Liquid Web

Computer networks are constantly evolving, with recent technologies being introduced almost yearly. These technological innovations include cloud, blockchain, 5G, and satellite web, simply to name a number of. For that reason, IT professionals and engineers must have a very good grip on network fundamentals.

The client-server model, or client-server architecture, is one of the vital necessary concepts of computer networks. Not only that, but the big majority of today’s networks depend on this exact model.

Client-server architecture is a style of computer network where multiple clients request and receive files and services from a centralized server over a neighborhood or web connection. A client uses an application as an interface to hook up with the server. After which, the server processes any further operations and data storage.

Take a have a look at the image below to raised understand this idea:

The client-server model works in three steps, as you may see below:

1. The client, equivalent to a workstation or smartphone, connects to the network using a physical or wireless LAN or web connection.
2. The client sends various requests to the server in an effort to submit, retrieve, or modify the info situated on the server.
3. The server processes each client request.

Moreover, there are three basic layers to client-server architecture:

• The presentation layer is the a part of the appliance that the user interacts with, also referred to as the user interface.
• The business logic layer represents the actual code of an application and connects and instructs the presentation and data layers.
• The info layer is made out of database tables and the logic required to operate on them.

To raised understand how this works in the true world, take a have a look at the client-server architecture example below:

You employ a booking app in your phone. Within the booking app, you enter your personal details and make a reservation. The app stores this information in its database.

So how does that translate to client-server architecture?

First, the app’s interface, situated on the client, serves as a presentation layer. Then, the app’s functionality, situated on the appliance server, serves as a business logic layer. Finally, the booking app’s database server functions as a knowledge layer.

Organizations of all sizes depend on computers and computer networks to realize their day-to-day tasks. To be effective, they need a system that makes it easy to gather, store, and process numerous data.

That is where the client-server model shines, because it brings the next level of management and processing power to computer networks, allowing businesses to spice up efficiency and scale as mandatory.

There are several sorts of client-server networks, including 1-tier architecture, 2-tier architecture, 3-tier architecture, and n-tier architecture. One method to describe the difference between them is by how they organize the presentation, business logic, and data layers.

In 1-tier architecture, the presentation, business logic, and data layers are all stored on a single device or a shared storage device. A very good example is a desktop application that works offline and stores all its data on the identical device it’s running from.

In 2-tier architecture, the presentation and business logic layers are stored on the client while the info layer is stored on a server. So so long as the code of an application is fully executed on the client and a number of the data is being stored in a distant database, that application matches the 2-tier architecture criteria. A desktop application that requires you to log into an internet account is a very good example.

The presentation layer is stored on the client, the business logic layer is stored on one server, and the info layer is stored on one other server. For instance, you employ a smartphone app’s user interface to interact with an app while an application server executes a lot of the app’s code and a database server stores the info

In N-tier architecture, the presentation and data layers are left untouched, in comparison with the 3-tier architecture. The difference is that N-tier architecture splits the business logic layer into multiple layers to enhance performance, management, and stability.

Listed below are some pros and cons of the client-server model that you need to be aware of:

• Centralized file storage makes it easier for multiple clients to share, store, and operate on files.
• Centralized databases improve data organization, security, and management.
• Server scalability allows for easier hardware and performance management in addition to cost saving.
• Device management is more practical when done from a single server as an alternative of individual clients.

• It’s easier to contaminate a single server than individual clients.
• Since centralized servers store the software and data, users lose all access if those servers fail.
• Too many client requests can overload the server, causing performance issues and repair outages.
• Buying and running a server and networking equipment is an extra expense.

You should utilize several different server solutions to establish a client-server model. A few of them include dedicated servers, VPS servers, and cloud servers.

Listed below are some advantages you may expect for those who use a dedicated server on your client-server network:

• Very high privacy and security potential.
• Fully customizable software and hardware.
• Very high level of monitoring, control, and distant access.
• Virtually limitless storage capability potential.

The client-server architecture is a fundamental networking concept that’s widely utilized in various industries. It allows multiple clients to request and receive files and services from a centralized server, providing advantages equivalent to centralized file storage, improved data organization, and higher management.

There are some drawbacks, nonetheless, including vulnerability to cyberattacks, being a single point of failure, and getting overloaded with requests. But the excellent news is you could address most of those drawbacks with the correct solutions to numerous degrees. For instance, you should use scaling, clustering, and cargo balancing to mitigate the only point of failure and request overload problems.

To establish a client-server network, you should use various solutions, equivalent to dedicated servers, VPS servers, and cloud servers. Dedicated servers profit from high privacy and security, fully customizable software and hardware, and a virtually limitless storage capability potential.

Overall, understanding the client-server model is crucial for IT professionals and engineers to administer and maintain computer networks effectively.