client/server networking

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Clients/Server Networking

It is an arrangement in which central computers, called servers, supply data and peripherals used by client computers (workstations). Typically a server contains a large, hard disk that supplies not only data, but also programs. It even executes programs. A server might also supply printers and modems  for clients to use on the network. In other words, client/server refers to an architecture for distributed  processing where in  sub tasks can be distributed between services, CPU's, or even networked computers for more efficient execution.

HOW DOES IT WORK

Imagine a customer sitting at a restaurant. He is waiting for the server to come by and take his order. The same rules apply in a client-server network; the client, which can be a laptop, desktop, a smartphone, or pretty much any computerized device, can make a request from the server.

The client uses the network as a way to connect with and speak to the server. Just as the customer speaks to his server, the client uses the network to send and receive communications about its order, or request. The server will take the request and make sure that the request is valid. If everything checks out okay, then the server will fetch the request and serve the client.

The server can make a request from the client as well. It may want to check up on the status of the client, or ask if it has received any security patches, or if it still needs resources from the server. If not, the server will close the connection in order to free up network traffic.

Can you imagine a server standing next to a customer who just stares at the menu without ordering anything? After 15 minutes, it would be a good idea for the server to leave and check on other customers. In both cases, the server moves on to other clients as needed.