Client-server computing is a model where client devices request services or resources from a central
server. It is widely used in various domains, including networking, applications, and databases. Here are
the main categories of client-server computing with examples:
### 1. **Two-Tier Architecture**
- **Description**: In this model, the client interacts directly with the server. The client handles the
user interface and application logic, while the server manages data storage and access.
- **Examples**:
- Database Management: A desktop application (client) like Microsoft Access connects to a database
server (e.g., Oracle or MySQL).
- File Sharing: A file server hosts files, and users access them via a local computer.
### 2. **Three-Tier Architecture**
- **Description**: Adds an intermediary (application server) between the client and the database
server. This enhances scalability and security.
- **Examples**:
- Web Applications: A web browser (client) communicates with an application server (e.g., Apache
Tomcat) which then interacts with a database server (e.g., PostgreSQL).
- E-Commerce Platforms: Platforms like Amazon use a three-tier system where the web interface
interacts with middleware for processing orders and a database for storing customer details.
### 3. **Multi-Tier Architecture (N-Tier)**
- **Description**: Extends the three-tier model by adding more layers, such as a business logic layer,
caching, or additional servers for scalability.
- **Examples**:
- Cloud Services: Applications hosted on platforms like AWS or Azure, which use load balancers,
caching servers, and multiple backend servers.
- Enterprise Systems: ERP systems like SAP, which split processes across several tiers.
### 4. **Peer-to-Peer Client-Server (Hybrid)**
- **Description**: Combines client-server and peer-to-peer models. Clients act as both servers and
clients in certain cases.
- **Examples**:
- File Sharing: Applications like BitTorrent allow clients to act as both requesters and providers of files.
- Collaboration Tools: Tools like Skype or Zoom facilitate direct peer-to-peer connections for real-time
communication.
### 5. **Distributed Client-Server Architecture**
- **Description**: Distributes the server functionality across multiple physical servers, enabling
redundancy and load balancing.
- **Examples**:
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Servers like Cloudflare or Akamai cache and distribute content
globally.
- Banking Systems: A bank’s servers handle transactions across distributed systems to ensure high
availability.
### 6. **Thin Client and Fat Client**
- **Thin Client**: Most processing occurs on the server, with the client primarily for display and input.
- Example: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), where remote desktops run on centralized servers.
- **Fat Client**: The client does most processing and only occasionally requests services from the
server.
- Example: Video games that handle rendering locally and only sync game state with the server.
Would you like detailed explanations of any category?
