Client Server Network: Uses and Advantages

Client server network consists of a common server that shares data with multiple connected computers. These networks are quite scalable in nature and come with high storage capacity which is also expandable.

This article will explain you about the client server network, its working, applications, and benefits. Let us first learn about the basic of this network.

Table of Contents

• What is Client server network?
• How does client server network work?
• Advantages 
• Disadvantages

What is a Client Server Network?

A client server network is a network topology that serves as a medium through which clients access services and resources from the central computer through LAN or WAN. In this network model, multiple client programs will share the services of a common server. These networks use both server and client hardware devices.

They are preferred over peer-to-peer networking due to the availability of a central server that manages the networks. In this network, client devices come with network software applications installed to request and receive information over its network. Web browsers, web servers, DNS, FTP clients and servers are examples of the client server network.

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Servers

Server is a computer that provides resources that can be used by authorized client stations. The access to data available on a server is based on the security priority. If the data is highly sensitive, then the access may be limited and require authorization. The data available on server is managed centrally and is automated. Servers store files, databases, applications, and websites. 

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Client

Client is a computer device that enables a user to access a network. These are used for making requests to servers for accessing data. A client device does not have the authority to force the server to respond to its request. If a client has limited accessibility, it will not be able to view the data even if it is available on the server. 

In LAN

In local area network (LAN), servers can be connected to multiple client computers and printers. Let us consider that there are five client computers and one printer connected to a server. When computer A wants to send few files to computer B then, computer A will first send a request to the server. Then this server will connect computer A to computer B. Computer A will then send files to computer B through this server. Similarly, when computer A wants to access the printer, the server will help the computer A to connect with the printer.

In WAN

In wide area network (WAN), computer is the client that wants to access a particular website on, suppose, ‘abc.com’. The ‘abc.com’ web server will respond to client computer by sending the data to client computer or the browser. Similarly, your mobile will behave as a client and mobile tower will behave as a server. Your mobile will make the call and mobile tower will connect your call to another mobile.

How does Client Server Network work?

The client will send a request, and the server will fulfil that request. These are computer networks that employ dedicated computer systems for storing data, managing resources, and controlling user access. 

Let us take a very simple example to understand the client server network. When you search for anything on a search engine, you become the client. The server, via the internet, gets you answers to your search.

Advantages of the Client-Server Network

Following are the benefits of a client-server network:

1. Less damage since one client computer does not impact other computers in the network.
2. Easy recovery of files is possible since backups are centrally controlled by network administrators. 
3. More secure since files and everything else is centralized on such networks.
4. Larger networks can be created as new clients and servers can be added to the network. This makes this network more scalable.
5. Easy sharing of resources is possible due to the control from the server. 
6. Expandable storage capacity allows more data to be available on the server. Even hard drives can be added the server in an easy manner.
7. The server is highly accessible since it can be accessed remotely from multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of the Client-Server Network

While there are a number of benefits of such network, there are a following limitations as well:

1. An expert professional is always required for maintaining the server which makes it complex.
2. Due to the lack of resources, there is a possibility of system overload which in turn leads to network traffic congestion.
3. It is more expensive since servers are costly to buy, set up and maintain.
4. Any damage to the server will hamper the entire network since everything is directly dependent on the server. 

Conclusion

We hope that through this article, you have learned the applications, working, advantages and disadvantages of the client server network. While this network is highly scalable, it is equally expensive in its maintenance. Based on the requirement of your system, you should choose a network that will fulfil your purpose while being cost-effective. 

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