Computers, programs and peripheral devices are unequal components of the information network. Some own some kind of resource, therefore they are called servers, others access these resources and are called clients. Let's consider how they interact with each other and what the client-server architecture is.
Client-server architecture
The "Client-Server" architecture is the interaction of structural components in a network based on certain principles of organization of this network, where the structural components are the server and nodes-providers of certain specialized functions (services), as well as clients who use this service. Specific functions are usually divided into three groups based on the solution of certain tasks:
- data entry and presentation functions are designed for user interaction with the system;
- application functions - for each subject area there isown set;
- resource management functions are designed to manage the file system, various databases and other components.
An autonomous system, such as a computer without a network connection, represents presentation, application, and control components at various levels. Such levels are considered to be the operating system, application and service software, and various utilities. In the same way, all of the above components are present in the network. The main thing is to correctly ensure network interaction between these components.
How client-server architecture works
Client-server architecture is most often used to create corporate databases, in which information is not only stored, but also periodically processed by various methods. It is the database that is the main element of any corporate information system, and the core of this database is located on the server. Thus, the most complex operations related to the input, storage, processing and modification of data take place on the server. When a user (client) accesses a database (server), the request is processed: the database is directly accessed and a response (processing result) is returned. The processing result is a network message about the success of the operation or an error. Server computers can handle multiple clients accessing the same file at the same time. Such work and data transmission over the network allows you to speed up the work of the usedapplications.
Client-server architecture: application of technology
This architecture is used to access various resources using network technologies: Web servers, application servers, database servers, mail servers, firewalls, proxy servers. The development of client-server applications allows you to improve the security, reliability and performance of your applications and the network as a whole. Most often, client-server applications are used for business automation.
