client-server network Explained

 

A client-server network is a communications model in which multiple client  programs share the services of a common server program.

In a client-server network with respect to data centralisation , the connected devices are all computers. The server however has higher specs as compared to the clients such as higher ram size and harddisk capacity because of its role in the network. The server is responsible for holding and distributing of data per request by clients. Thus its higher specs to accommodate multiple processes.

For communication between the clients and the server, the server is represented by a unique ip address by the clients . In web technology , url is the “readable” version of ip addresses.

 

 

How Does It Work?

Imagine a customer sitting at a restaurant. He is waiting for the server to come by and take his order. The same rules apply in a client-server network; the client, which can be a laptop, desktop, a smartphone, or pretty much any computerized device, can make a request from the server.

The client uses the network as a way to connect with and speak to the server. Just as the customer speaks to his server, the client uses the network to send and receive communications about its order, or request. The server will take the request and make sure that the request is valid. If everything checks out okay, then the server will fetch the request and serve the client.

The server can make a request from the client as well. It may want to check up on the status of the client, or ask if it has received any security patches, or if it still needs resources from the server. If not, the server will close the connection in order to free up network traffic.

Advantage

 

• All files are stored in a central location
• Network peripherals are controlled centrally
• Backups and network security is controlled centrally
• Users can access shared data which is centrally controlled
• Disadvantage

Disadvantage

• A specialist network operating system is needed
• The server is expensive to purchase
• Specialist staff such as a network manager is needed
• If any part of the network fails a lot of disruption can occur