Client-server architecture

Definition

Client-server architecture is a computing model that separates tasks between service providers, known as servers, and service requesters, called clients. This structure allows multiple clients to access resources and services hosted on centralized servers, enabling efficient communication and resource management across a network.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In client-server architecture, clients typically interact with the user interface while servers handle data processing and storage.
2. This architecture supports scalability since multiple clients can connect to the same server without significant performance degradation.
3. Client-server systems can be designed in various ways, including two-tier or three-tier architectures, depending on how the client, server, and database interact.
4. Security in client-server architecture can be managed centrally at the server level, simplifying updates and access control.
5. Examples of client-server applications include web browsers (clients) interacting with web servers to retrieve content and applications accessing databases for data management.

Review Questions

• How does the separation of tasks in client-server architecture enhance communication and resource management?
  • The separation of tasks allows servers to manage resources and data processing independently while clients focus on user interactions. This enhances communication by streamlining requests from clients to servers and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. As a result, multiple clients can request and utilize server resources simultaneously without causing significant delays or performance issues.
• Discuss the benefits of scalability in client-server architecture and provide examples of scenarios where it is crucial.
  • Scalability in client-server architecture allows systems to accommodate growing numbers of clients without degrading performance. For example, in an e-commerce application during peak shopping seasons, a scalable architecture ensures that more users can access the site simultaneously without slowdowns. Additionally, businesses can add more servers or upgrade existing ones to handle increased traffic, making it crucial for applications with fluctuating user demands.
• Evaluate the impact of security measures in client-server architecture on the overall system performance and user experience.
  • Implementing security measures in client-server architecture can impact both system performance and user experience. On one hand, robust security protocols such as encryption and authentication ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access, enhancing user trust. On the other hand, these security measures may introduce latency due to the additional processing required for data encryption or user verification. Striking the right balance between security and performance is essential for maintaining an optimal user experience while safeguarding system integrity.

Related terms

Server: A server is a computer or program that provides data, resources, or services to other computers, known as clients, over a network.

Client: A client is a computer or application that requests services or resources from a server in a client-server architecture.

Network Protocol: Network protocols are standardized rules and conventions that govern data communication over a network, enabling different devices to communicate effectively.