What is a client-server network? How many types and what? How does client server network work?

Client-server network

Usually when we receive any data, the computer from which we receive the data or service is called server. We are clients or consumers because we serve from it. In this network, both workstation and server computers have the opportunity to work autonomously with their own CPU and memory. It consists of a graphical user interface or front end program on the client workstation and other facilities. It stores the back end server programs of one or more servers.

In other words, a suitable network for centrally storing data, ensuring security, running various applications and running the network is a client-server network. In this network, one computer owns the resource, and other computers in the network use those resources. The computer that shares the resource is the server, and the computers that share the resource are the clients. All the resources of the network are stored on the server so the resources can be managed from the center. Security is ensured as all users log into the same server and adhere to the server's security policy.


Characteristics of client-server network: A client-server network is also called a server-based network. Characteristics of client-server network:

(i) Client-server network is easily expandable. This can be done for anything from ten users to thousands of users.

(ii). Such networks consist of servers. Server computer hardware is usually of high quality and these servers provide various services to other computers.

(iii) Client-server network is very secure as it uses user level access control.

(iv) Such networks can be centrally controlled by network administrators.

(v) Users in such networks do not require network management. That is why the skill of the network users is not so important.


Difference between Client Server and Peer to Peer Network:

Peer to peer network

 (i) All computers connected to a network are of the same class or peers and are called peers.

(ii) Computers in this network play the role of both server and client, so no separate server addition is required.

(iii) Ease of design and maintenance of peer to peer networks.

(iv) Cost is lower in peer to peer network.

(v) In peer to peer network security of information cannot be maintained as information is not stored in a central server.


Client Server Network

(i) The central computer used in it is called server and the computers connected to the server are called workstations or clients.

(ii) It requires the addition of one or more servers to the network, whose back-end programs respond to a client.

(iii) Design and maintenance of client server network is relatively complex.

(iv) Cost is relatively high in client server network.

(v) It stores information on central servers and ensures security of information from authorized users.