Web Essentials: Client, Server and Communication
In a client-server network, a client is a device or software that requests resources
from a server, while a server is a device or software that provides those resources:
Client
A client is a device or software that requests resources or service from a server.
Clients can be laptops, desktops, or smartphones. Some clients may have limited
disk storage and rely on the server for remote file systems. Other clients may use
remote services from the server but don't rely on it to function.
Server
A server is a device or software that manages and provides services to clients.
There are many types of servers, including file servers, database servers, print
servers, and installation servers. The server's sole purpose is to serve its clients
means responds to the client with the requested resource or service.
Client-server networks are used in both home and corporate networks. Some
advantages of a client-server network include:
• Efficiency: The model is efficient for ease of management.
• Reduced tasks: All resources are stored on one physical server, which
reduces the tasks required to keep it running.
The communication between clients and servers is governed by a common
communications protocol, such as the TCP/IP protocol suite. This protocol
defines the rules, language, and dialog patterns for the communication.
