6UNIT 1

INTRODUCTION OF BASICS

INTRODUCTION

In our daily life, we use computers to browse the internet, send / receive emails, play
online games, watch online videos, download music, take online classes, etc. All such
activities require a computer connected with some other computer to make a
computer network. They can be linked through wired or wireless.

CLIENT SERVER – DEFINITION

A server is a high performance host that is a registering unit and shares its resources
with clients. There are many different types of servers. They are file server, terminal
server, web server, mail server, database server, etc. The clients and servers operate
over a computer network on separate hardware.

CLIENT SERVER MODEL – DEFINITION

The client/server model can be used on the Internet as well as local area networks
(LAN’s).Client/server describes the relationship between two computer programs in
which one program, the Client, sends a service request to another program, the
server. Computer transactions using the client/server model are very common.

This model is based on distribution of functions between two types of independent

and autonomous processes: Server and Client. It was developed in the 1970s at Xerox
Palo Alto Research Centre (PARC).

The client-server model has three basic layers:

1. Presentation Layer (Client-side):

- Handles user interface and user experience

- Receives input and displays output

2. Application Layer (Server-side):

- Manages business logic and data processing

- Provides services and data to clients

3. Data Storage Layer (Server-side):

- Stores and manages data

- Provides data access and retrieval

ADVANTAGES/ FEATURES/ BENEFITS OF CLIENT SERVER

1. Scalability : Easily add or remove clients or servers as needed.

2. Flexibility : Clients and servers can be developed and maintained
independently.
3. Improved Performance : Servers can be optimized for specific tasks, improving
overall performance.
4. Enhanced Security : Servers can be secured and monitored centrally, reducing
security risks.
5. Reliability : If one client or server fails, others can continue to operate.
6. Easier Maintenance : Updates and maintenance can be performed centrally on
servers.
7. Cost-Effective : Reduces the need for powerful client machines.
8. Centralized Data Management : Data is stored and managed centrally, making it
easier to maintain and backup.
9. User friendly : familiar point and click interface.
10. Supports Multiple Platforms : Clients and servers can be developed for
different platforms and operating systems.

DISADVANTAGES / LIMITATIONS OF CLIENT SERVER

1. Complexity : Can be difficult to set up and manage, especially for large-scale

applications.
2. Security Risks : Servers can be targeted by hackers and malware
3. Network Dependence : Requires a stable network connection
4. Cost : Implementing and maintaining a client-server architecture can be
expensive.
5. Lack of scalability : network operating systems are not very scalable.
 6. Higher than anticipated costs
7. Can cause network congestion
8. More hardware – intensive
9. More software – intensive
10. Expensive dedicated software
11. Requires professional administration

CLIENT SERVER ARCHITECTURE DEFINITION

Client – server architecture is a distributed computing model that separates the client
and server roles.

Broadly, there are three types of Client/Server systems. They are

(i) Two-tier
(ii) Three-tier
(iii) N-Tier

TWO TIER CLIENT / SERVER ARCHITECTURE (Model )

Two-tier client/server architectures have 2 essential components :

1. A Client PC and
2. A Database Server

The two tier architecture is based on client server architecture. The two tier
architecture is like client server application. The direct communication takes place
between client and server. There is no intermediate between client and server. Two tier
architecture is suitable for small scale applications with a limited number of users
and simple requirements.

Examples:

1. Online banking

2. E-commerce websites

3. Simple web applications

ADVANTAGES :

1. Simple and straightforward architecture

2. Easy to implement and maintain

3. Fast communication between client and server

4. Low network traffic

5. Suitable for small-scale applications

DISADVANTAGES :

1. Limited scalability and flexibility

2. Difficult to add new services or features
3. Limited security and reliability
4. Not suitable for large-scale applications
THREE TIER ARCHITECTURE (Model)

A three way interaction in a client or server environment. If we use the three tier
architecture we can maintain our application in consistency manner. There are three
layers in three tier architecture. They are :

• Client layer
• Business layer
• Data layer

In three-tier architecture application responsibilities are divided into three logical

categories. They are :

1. Presentation (GUI) or user services

– User interface and user experience
– Input and output operations
– Client-side logic and validation

2. Application services or business rules

- Business logic and calculations
- Data processing and storage
- Server-side logic and validation

3. Database services or data server

- Data storage and retrieval
- Database management and querying
- Data security and backup

Three tier architecture is suitable for large scale applications with a limited number of
users and simple requirements.

Examples:

- Web applications (web browser, web server, database)

- Mobile apps (mobile device, application server, database)

- Enterprise software solutions (client, application server, database)

ADVANTAGES

- Modular and reusable code

- Easier to maintain and update
- Improved performance and scalability
- Enhanced security and reliability
- Support for multiple clients and devices

DISADVANTAGES

- Increased complexity
- Higher development costs
- Requires more resources and infrastructure

N TIER ARCHITECTURE

An N-tier architecture divides an application into logical layers and physical tiers. N
tier architecture is 3 tier architecture in which the middle tier is split up into new tiers.
The application tier is broken down into separate parts. These parts differ from system
to systems.

Tiers
- Presentation Tier (Client) : User interface and user experience, input and output
operations.

- Application Tier (Server) : Business logic, data processing, and server-side logic.

- Business Tier (Logic and Rules) : Business rules, data validation, and calculations.

- Data Tier (Database) : Data storage, retrieval, and management.

- Integration Tier (APIs and Interfaces) : Integration with other systems, services, and
data sources.

- Security Tier (Authentication and Authorization) : Authentication, authorization, and

access control.

Examples:

- Web applications (web browser, web server, database)

- Mobile apps (mobile device, application server, databases
- Enterprise software solutions (client, application server, database)

ADVANTAGES

- Scalability and flexibility

- Improved security and reliability

- Easier maintenance and updates

- Support for multiple clients and devices

- Modular and reusable code

DISADVANTES

1. Increased complexity

2. Higher development costs

3. Requires more resources and infrastructure

4. Communication overhead between tiers

5. Integration challenges

APPLICATION ARCHITECTURE DEFINITION

Application architecture refers to the structural design of an application, including the

relationships between components, data flow, and user interactions. It focuses on
organizing the application’s code, modules, and services to ensure performance,
scalability, maintainability, and user experience.

In simpler terms, it’s about how the software is built and organized to meet specific
user and business needs.

TYPES OF APPLICATION ARCHITECTURE

1. Monolithic Architecture
2. Microservices Architecture
3. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
4. Event-Driven Architecture (EDA)
5. Layered Architecture
6. Client-Server Architecture
7. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Architecture
8. Pipe and Filter Architecture
TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE DEFINITION

Technical architecture refers to the design and structure of the technological

framework that supports an organization’s IT systems and infrastructure. Technical
architecture ensures scalability, reliability, security, and performance of IT systems to
meet organizational needs.

In simpler terms, it’s about how the tools and technologies are organized and
connected to support business operations effectively.

It includes :

1. Hardware Architecture
2. Software Architecture
3. Network Architecture
4. Data Architecture
5. Security Architecture
6. Cloud Architecture
7. Database Architecture
8. Middleware Architecture

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE AND APPLICATION

ARCHITECTURE

BASIS OF DIFFERENCE TECHNICAL APPLICATION

ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE
Focus Infrastructure, systems Design and structure of
and hardware the software application
Scope Overall IT ecosystems and Individual application and
its components its functionality
Example components Servers, networks, APIs, modules, data
databases, middleware models, UI/ UX
Who works on it? System architects, IT Software developers,
engineers application developers
Time frame Long term infrastructure Project level design and
planning development