Introduction to Client-Server Computing
Introduction
Client-Server computing is a computing model in which client and server computers
communicate with each other over a network.
In Client-Server computing, a server takes requests from client computers and shares
its resources, applications and/or data with one or more client computers on the
network, and a client is a computing device that initiates contact with a server in order
to make use of a shareable resource.
Figure: Client-Server Computing
Client's Responsibilities
Handle the user interface.
Translate the user's request into the desired protocol.
Send the request to the server.
Wait for the server's response.
Translate the response into "human-readable" results.
Present the results to the user.
Server's Responsibilities
Listen for a client's query.
Process that query.
Return the results back to the client.
Client-Server Interaction
The user runs client software to create a query.
The client connects to the server.
The client sends the query to the server.
The server analyzes the query.
The server computes the results of the query.
The server sends the results to the client.
The client presents the results to the user.
Repeat as necessary.
Page 1 of 2
Introduction to Client-Server Computing
Advantages of Client-Server Computing
Improved Data Sharing
Integration of Services
Shared Resources amongst Different Platforms
Inter-Operation of Data
Data Processing capability despite the location
Easy maintenance
Security
Disadvantages of Client-Server Computing
Overloaded servers
Impact of centralized architecture
Questions asked in semester paper
Question-Explain client-server architecture with diagram?
[2017-2018][2015-2016]
Question-Who initiates client/server interaction: the client or the server? How is this done?
Which of the following are clients and which are servers?
1. A web browser
2. A web site where you can access a general search engine
3. A website that tells you the correct time
4. A program that displays news headlines on your desktop
5. A web site that tells you the speed of your internet connection
6. A program that tracks stock prices and displays a customized ticker for you.
[2005-2006]
Page 2 of 2