Computing
A Simple Guide To Client Server Computing
By TechDogs Editorial Team
Share
Overview
Do you want the Eiffel Tower to be painted bright purple? Done.
Do you want to shapeshift into the current President of the United States? Done.
Do you want Genie to find a file in the vastness of the Internet? Well, now that’s challenging even for him!
Well, here’s a trick for you, Genie – it’s called Client Server Computing. Whenever a client requests a resource, they are connected to a server that can provide that resource. This server may be a file server, web server, mail server, database server, etc. So, are you ready to learn more, Genie?
.jpg.aspx "TechDogs-\"A Simple Guide To Client Server Computing\"This Genie Can Find And Deliver What You Need!"){kind=logo}
Genie was trapped in the magical lamp for 10,000 years so his knowledge of today’s technology is rusty. Don’t worry, our magical blue friend – we will explain it all! You don’t have to go through billions of resources to find the one Aladdin requested; simply use Client Server Computing.
We’ll break it down for you: Client Server Computing is a distributed application framework where clients request services or data from servers, which then carry out those requests. Clients and servers can interact either directly within the same system or remotely through a network such as the Internet. While a client only interacts with one server at a time, a server may provide services to numerous clients simultaneously. A server can satisfy requests for various resources and services, such as files, web pages, data, etc.
Sounds interesting, right? Let’s look at it in more detail!
What Is Client Server Computing?
Client Server Computing is based on the client-server model. This model is a distributed application architecture that divides the workload between the providers of a resource/ service (servers) for the service requesters (clients). A network is needed for the client and server to communicate, which can be within the same environment or connected over the web.
The client generally does not share any resources but makes requests to a server. Hence, clients need to initiate communication with servers who await requests (just like Genie!). For example, when a user (client) requests a certain file over a network, a file server delivers it. The same logic can be applied to other use cases.
Since this technology is old (not as old as Genie though – he classifies as a super-senior citizen!), let’s look at how it evolved.
Evolution And Origins Of Client Server Computing
The earliest form of client-server architecture was developed when remote job entry started in 1964. The clients could request to run a task and the response by the server was the output.
The client-server model saw more innovation in the 1960s and 1970s when computer scientists created ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network). The term “server-host” (or serving host) and “user-host” (or using-host) was used for the first time when they appeared in early documents in 1969. This was the start of the formal development of Client Server Computing.
Then, a computer network programming language called Decode-Encode Language (DEL) was developed in June 1969. It was used to accept commands from one computer (user-host) to return status reports from another (server-host), resulting in a client–server transaction. The development of DEL started in 1969, the same year the United States Department of Defense established ARPANET.
With the introduction of the Internet, servers were distributed on larger networks and clients could request web pages and other online services. Yet, how does it all work?
How Does Client Server Computing Work?
We’re here to explain what you’ve got here, Genie!
A request-response pattern is the foundation of client-server interaction. To easily communicate with one another and share resources, both entities must follow a standard communication protocol. The application layer stores these protocols. For instance, a web server that responds to client requests for web pages will ensure both entities are using the same communication protocol at its application layer.
Client-server communication generally adheres to the TCP/IP protocol. Here, Transmission Control Protocol (or TCP) maintains a network connection till the client and server have completed the exchange. It also determines the best way to distribute the workload between the available servers. The Internet Protocol (IP) refers to a connectionless protocol where packets of information travel via the Internet. These packets are independent units of data, which allows a server to cater to diverse clients simultaneously. This also enables servers to engage in a priority-based system to respond to certain client requests first. #FirstComeFirstServed
After learning about how client-server interactions work, let’s look at the various benefits of Client Server Computing.
What Are The Advantages Of Client Server Computing?
Well, just as Genie gives you three wishes; here are the three main advantages of Client Server Computing you should know:
-
Better Security For Resources
The required resources are sourced from a single place i.e., the relevant server. This makes it simple to protect the resources in transit and provide authorization for clients requesting access to them.
-
Remote Access
As the server does not need to be located physically close to the clients to provide resources and services, it enables better connectivity and access.
-
All-round Interoperability
Clients and server hosts do not need to have the same operating system or platform, as long as they use the right communication protocol.
We bet that’s what Client Server Computing would say if it could talk! (Wait, Genie, you can do that?)
While Genie converses with his new friend, let’s look at the types of Client Server Computing models.
Types Of Client Server Computing Models
Client Server Computing has four broad types:
-
One-Tier Architecture
This consists of a program running on a single computer, where the same device runs both the client and server modules. Hence, access to any online network is not required and there is no network protocol to be managed.
-
Two-Tier Architecture
This type consists of the client, the server and the communication protocol that links the two tiers. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is built on the client’s side for a better user experience and the search logic resides on the server host.
-
Three-Tier Architecture
This consists of a “presentation tier” or Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the client, an “application tier” that performs detailed processing and the “data tier” which consists of the database (server) that stores information.
-
N-Tier Architecture
In this approach, an application is divided into logical layers with separate responsibilities to improve scalability and reduce latency in network communications. N-Tier architecture can be a closed layer that can only communicate with the next layer down or an open layer that can communicate with any layer below it.
Based on the demands of the clients, availability of servers and other business needs, the type of Client Server Computing model can be chosen. What you can’t choose is how quickly Client Server Computing is innovating – read on!
What’s The Near Future Of Client Server Computing?
Currently, a server can accommodate multiple clients but is limited by the number of requests it can process at a time. Hence, there is scope for innovation in Client Server Computing models. The most prominent trend will be the move to the cloud: it will offer a larger, more interconnected server while increasing how many clients can make requests at a time. The change will allow servers to become more reliable, distributed and scalable.
Moreover, micro-services at the application layer will enable better client-server transactions. This will also enable servers to couple with clients through various channels (mobile, web, etc.). However, this transformation will demand better API development and IT management that can adapt to the changing needs of clients. Overall, innovations in Client Server Computing will look to stay on par with the rising scale and volume of client-server interactions.
Conclusion
There you have it – Client Server Computing is the leading solution to cater to client requests by dividing the workload across servers. With constant development and innovation, these models will soon reside on the cloud allowing on-demand scaling and agility. The next time Aladdin requests a file or web page, we are sure Genie will say:
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Client Server Computing?
Client Server Computing operates on a distributed application framework where clients request services or data from servers, which then fulfill those requests. This model facilitates the division of workload between service providers (servers) and service requesters (clients). Communication between clients and servers can occur either within the same environment or over a network such as the Internet. Clients typically initiate communication with servers to access resources or services, such as requesting files or web pages, and servers respond accordingly.
How Does Client Server Computing Work?
Client Server Computing relies on a request-response pattern for communication between clients and servers. Both entities must adhere to a standard communication protocol, typically TCP/IP, to effectively share resources and communicate. The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) maintains network connections until exchanges are completed, while the Internet Protocol (IP) enables the transmission of independent data packets over the Internet. This architecture allows servers to cater to multiple clients simultaneously, prioritizing requests based on various factors, thus optimizing client-server interactions.
What Are The Advantages Of Client Server Computing?
Client Server Computing offers several advantages, including enhanced security, remote access capabilities, and interoperability. By centralizing resources on servers, it simplifies resource protection and authorization for client access. Additionally, the architecture enables remote access to resources, as servers do not need to be physically close to clients. Furthermore, client and server hosts can operate on different platforms or operating systems as long as they adhere to the same communication protocol, facilitating seamless interoperability across diverse environments.
Enjoyed what you read? Great news – there’s a lot more to explore!
Dive into our content repository of the latest tech news, a diverse range of articles spanning introductory guides, product reviews, trends and more, along with engaging interviews, up-to-date AI blogs and hilarious tech memes!
Also explore our collection of branded insights via informative white papers, enlightening case studies, in-depth reports, educational videos and exciting events and webinars from leading global brands.
Head to the TechDogs homepage to Know Your World of technology today!
Disclaimer - Reference to any specific product, software or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TechDogs nor should any data or content published be relied upon. The views expressed by TechDogs' members and guests are their own and their appearance on our site does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TechDogs' Authors are those of the Authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of TechDogs or any of its officials. All information / content found on TechDogs' site may not necessarily be reviewed by individuals with the expertise to validate its completeness, accuracy and reliability.
- Promoted By TechDogs -
- Promoted By TechDogs -
Trending Introductory Guides
Serve AI Easily With AI As A Service
By TechDogs Editorial Team
All About Internet Of Behaviors (IoB)
By TechDogs Editorial Team
Let It Flow With Cash Flow Management
By TechDogs Editorial Team
Everything You Must Know About Automation
By TechDogs Editorial Team
A Quick Look At Natural Language Generation (NLG)
By TechDogs Editorial Team
Join Our Newsletter
Get weekly news, engaging articles, and career tips-all free!
By subscribing to our newsletter, you're cool with our terms and conditions and agree to our Privacy Policy.
Join The Discussion