What is client/server networking?
Simple explanation on client/server networking: Server provides services and client enjoys services. In client/server networking environment, a computer or several computers that usually with high memory, ample storage space and fast processing power will act as server to provide services, whereas the client is normally the computers that operated by end users to enjoy the services. Here are some examples: – Web server provides web service, so we can use web browser (web client) to surf the Internet. – Xbox game server provides online game service, so the users can use Xbox (client) to play online game with many people around the globe. – Mail server provides email service, so the users can use Outlook or other mail client to send/receive emails.
Conceptually, client/server networking is like peer-to-peer networking. In practice though, it is more robust. In a client/server configuration, resource sharing is restricted to fewer, more powerful peers called servers which provide centralized user authentication and security access to resources. Client/server configurations allow both data and program sharing and are not restricted to only DOS-based programs. The client/server architecture is also a much more secure environment for your data than peer-to-peer networking. There is very little security on a peer workstation and data can easily be compromised when housed there. Also, it is much easier and more efficient to backup data that is stored in a central location, such as a server, than in many different locations, as is necessary in a peer-to-peer environment.
Client/Server networking is a system of networking which involves “client” or “workstation” computers that request services — and “server” computers that provide services. In the client/server model, the workstations are the computers at which people work, while the servers are often mounted in a centrally-located rack. Servers are often named for the service they provide. For instance, “file servers” store common data for the workstations to access via the Local Area Network (LAN). “Application servers” store applications or programs which the workstations run from across the LAN. “Video servers” store and are optimized to provide digitized video over the LAN, and so on. eGig provides network adapters with Gigabit speeds to optimize your servers’ performance, including the eG1000T32 and eG1000T64 10/100/1000 network adapters.
So what is client server networking? Its when you have perhaps 4 clients all using the server for something. The server kinda being like a master. But usually most clients will look to the server for their network settings (DHCP), and perhaps NAT etc….. But like the above person mentioned you can have database’s on your server. But your not just limited to database’s, you can have mail server’s, web servers, app server etc….
