The client-server architecture is the organizational construction of a local or distributed network in which there is a separate server and electronic nodes (client) between which the computing network load is shared, which ensures their joint work. Very often, interaction in a network based on a server and a client is carried out through a network of computers. Also, the server and client can be not only electronic devices, but also software or an application.
LAN with a dedicated server
A client-server architecture may imply a structure in which there are several (usually about ten) clients computers for which a separate central electronic node is allocated - a server. Such a group of electronic devices is called a local area network with a dedicated server.
The network administrator has unlimited rights to change the server configuration. It has the ability to install any operating system, as well as carry out maintenance of the central node. The main information database can be located both on the server computer and (for security purposes) on any other electronic device that is part of the network. The location of the database outside the web server is also very convenient because this ensures the continuity and consistency of all network computers during the technical work of the central web machine.
A network with a dedicated server is usually used to ensure uninterrupted data exchange between branches of a large organization or enterprise. Another use of such an architecture takes place in online computer games. Thus, continuous round-the-clock access to the playground from the network is provided.
Client - Computing Program
The term “client-server architecture” often also refers to the distribution of network load between the client and server, where the client is a computing program. In this case, all sensitive data is located in a central information database on a powerful server computer. Information monitoring and protection is also provided by the server node. Such an organizational structure is very advantageous in that it is much better and more reliable to protect secret data from unauthorized attempts to gain access to it on the server. Access control is established on the server, as a result of which, information is opened only to users with certain privileges.
Principles of building client-server architecture
The client-server architecture can be built on the principle of:
A dual connection with one web server and about ten clients.
A triple connection, in the structure of which there is an intermediate link (web site) located between the server and the client. This link serves as an intermediary in the processing of requests and received data, either to ensure access to information, as well as to protect it from damage and destruction. In this case, the number of jobs or games in the network can be greatly increased.
Nth connection, which allows you to connect several web servers to the network. Their number depends on the level of network load. The number of computers that can work consistently on a network naturally increases significantly. Intermediate servers are conditionally given names: “database server”, “application server”.
Thus, a local network with a complex N-structure for connecting several servers and many clients provides the possibility of better and ergonomic functioning of all links in the network chain.