Client-Server Model

Test yourself

Client-Server Model

The client-server model is the most common modern networking model.

The model

In the client-server model, computers on the network each take the role of either the central server or a client.

The client

The client can request a service from the server.
The server will process the request, and then send a response.

The server

The server provides services such as:
- Storing files.
- Printing.
- Hosting a website.
The network is known as centralised since clients communicate with a central server.

Pros of the Client-Server Model

The client-server model works well for almost all network communications, but it isn't always the best way.

Centralised server

User's files can be stored centrally so it is easy to access them from any networked computer.
Team members can easily share files.

Monitoring

Client machines can be monitored centrally.
- This means that administrators can make sure that nobody breaks the terms and conditions of the network.
User accounts can be managed centrally. For example, an administrator could:
- Retrieve lost files.
- Recover lost passwords.

Security

Software and security updates can be managed centrally and applied to all computers.
This saves time.

Cons of the Client-Server Model

The client-server model works well for almost all network communications, but it isn't always the best way.

Risk of downtime

If the central server fails, then the whole of the network would not be able to function.

High cost

Server hardware is usually very expensive.

Security

Servers are often targeted in cyber attacks such as:
- Ransomware attacks.
- Denial of service attacks.

1Components of a Computer

1.1Structure & Function of the Processor

1.1.1Structure of the CPU

1.1.2Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle

1.1.3Factors Affecting CPU Performance

1.1.4CPU Architecture

1.2Types of Processors

1.2.1CISC & RISC

1.2.2Multicore & Parallel Cores

1.3Input, Output & Storage

1.3.1Computer Systems

1.3.2Magnetic Storage

1.3.3Optical Storage

1.3.4Types of Optical Storage

1.3.5Types of Memory

1.3.6Flash Memory

1.3.7Virtual Memory

2Software & Software Development

3Exchanging Data

4Data Types, Data Structures & Algorithms

4.1Data Types

4.1.1Data Types

4.1.2Arrays & Strings

4.1.3Representing Numbers

4.1.4Binary Arithmetic

4.1.5Hexadecimal

4.1.6Converting Binary Numbers

4.1.7Floating Points in Binary

4.1.8Floating Point Arithmetic

4.1.9Bitwise Manipulation

4.1.10Character Sets

4.2Data Structures

4.2.1Arrays, Linked Lists & Queues

4.2.2Graphs, Hash Tables & Stacks

4.2.3Trees

4.3Boolean Algebra

4.3.1Computational Logic

4.3.2Boolean Logic

4.3.3Karnaugh Maps

4.3.4Boolean Identities

4.3.5Flip Flops & Adder Circuits

5Legal, Moral, Cultural & Ethical Issues

5.1Computing Related Legislation

5.1.1Data Protection Act (1998)

5.1.2Computer Misuse Act (1990)

5.1.3Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988)

5.1.4Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)

5.2Moral & Ethical Issues

5.2.1Online Activity Tracking

5.2.2Censorship

5.2.3Cultural Issues

5.2.4Environmental Issues

5.2.5Layout, Colour Paradigms & Character Sets

6Elements of Computational Thinking

6.1Thinking Abstractly

6.1.1Abstraction

6.2Thinking Procedurally

6.2.1Decomposition

6.3Thinking Logically

6.3.1Pseudocode & Flow Diagrams

7Problem Solving & Programming

7.1Programming Techniques

7.1.1Programming Fundamentals

7.1.2Modularity

7.2Programming Construction

7.2.1Integrated Development Environments

7.2.2Testing

8Algorithms

8.1Algorithms

8.1.1Interpreting, Correcting & Completing Algorithm

8.1.2Sort Algorithms

8.1.3Insertion & Merge Sort

8.1.4Search Algorithms

Jump to other topics