1.3.5

Client-Server Model

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Client-Server Model

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

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The model

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

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

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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.
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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.
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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.

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Risk of downtime

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

  • Server hardware is usually very expensive.
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Security

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

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.5Systems Software

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

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