Client Server Network: Working, Features, Advantages and Disadvantage

Client server network consists of a common server that shares data with multiple connected computers. These networks are quite scalable in nature and come with high storage capacity which is also expandable. This article will explain you about the client server network, its working, applications, and benefits.

Table of Contents

• What is Client server network?
• Types of Clients and Server
• How does client server network work?
• Features of Client Server Network
• Advantages 
• Disadvantages

What is a Client Server Network?

A client server network is a network topology that serves as a medium through which clients access services and resources from the central computer through LAN or WAN. In this network model, multiple client programs will share the services of a common server. These networks use both server and client hardware devices.

They are preferred over peer-to-peer networking due to the availability of a central server that manages the networks. In this network, client devices come with network software applications installed to request and receive information over its network. Web browsers, web servers, DNS, FTP clients and servers are examples of the client-server network.

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Servers

Server is a computer that provides resources that can be used by authorized client stations. The access to data available on a server is based on the security priority. If the data is highly sensitive, then the access may be limited and require authorization. The data available on server is managed centrally and is automated. Servers store files, databases, applications, and websites. 

Client

Client is a computer device that enables a user to access a network. These are used for making requests to servers for accessing data. A client device does not have the authority to force the server to respond to its request. If a client has limited accessibility, it will not be able to view the data even if it is available on the server. 

In LAN

In local area network (LAN), servers can be connected to multiple client computers and printers. Let us consider that there are five client computers and one printer connected to a server. When computer A wants to send few files to computer B then, computer A will first send a request to the server. Then this server will connect computer A to computer B. Computer A will then send files to computer B through this server. Similarly, when computer A wants to access the printer, the server will help the computer A to connect with the printer.

In WAN

In a wide area network (WAN), computer is the client that wants to access a particular website on, suppose, ‘abc.com’. The ‘abc.com’ web server will respond to client computer by sending the data to client computer or the browser. Similarly, your mobile will behave as a client and your mobile tower will behave as a server. Your mobile will make the call and mobile tower will connect your call to another mobile.

Types of Clients and Servers

Let us now discuss the different types of clients and servers that can exist in a client-server network:

Types of Clients

1. Fat Clients (Thick Clients): These are computers that can process data independently. Fat clients have their own processing power and storage that allows them to perform many tasks without constant server connection. For example, a desktop computer running complex CAD software can process designs locally while only connecting to the server for file storage. These clients have high-end processors, RAM (8GB+), and local storage. While they are more expensive, they continue working even with temporary server disconnections.
2. Thin Clients: These are simpler devices that rely heavily on the server for processing. Think of a computer terminal used for data entry in a bank. It has minimal local processing power and storage, depending on the server for most operations. Thin clients are cheaper (usually 50-70% less than fat clients), easier to maintain, and more secure since they store minimal data locally. They are commonly used in call centers, libraries, and educational institutions where users need basic computing capabilities.
3. Mobile Clients: These include smartphones, tablets, and laptops that connect to servers through wireless networks. Mobile clients combine aspects of both fat and thin clients - they can process data locally but often rely on cloud servers for storage and heavy processing. For example, whenever you use a banking app on your phone, it acts as a mobile client that will connect to the bank's servers.

Types of Servers

1. File Servers: These servers specialize in storing and managing files for network users. They handle file storage, sharing, and security, and manage huge amounts of data. File servers allow employees to access shared documents, maintain version control, and backup important files. They use high-capacity storage systems and can handle hundreds of simultaneous file requests.
2. Application Servers: These run and manage network applications. For example, when a company uses a customer relationship management (CRM) system, the application server hosts the CRM software, processes data, and serves results to users. They require powerful processors and substantial RAM (often 32GB+) to handle multiple application instances and users simultaneously.
3. Database Servers: These servers store and manage databases, handling data queries and updates. They are crucial for businesses managing customer records, inventory, or financial data. Database servers need fast processors, large amounts of RAM, and optimized storage systems to handle thousands of simultaneous database transactions. They use specialized software like MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server.
4. Web Servers: These handle web-based requests and serve web pages to users. They process HTTP requests, manage website content, and handle user interactions. Popular web servers like Apache or IIS can handle thousands of concurrent connections, serving everything from simple web pages to complex web applications.
5. Mail Servers: These manage email communication within organizations. They handle sending, receiving, and storing emails, plus managing spam filters and email security. Mail servers like Microsoft Exchange can manage thousands of mailboxes, processing millions of messages daily while maintaining security and availability.
6. Print Servers: These manage network printing tasks, handling print requests from multiple users and managing printer queues. They connect multiple printers to the network, manage printer drivers, and ensure that printer is being shared among users. A single print server can manage dozens of printers and hundreds of print jobs daily.

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How Does Client Server Network Work?

The client will send a request, and the server will fulfil that request. These are computer networks that employ dedicated computer systems for storing data, managing resources, and controlling user access. Let us take a very simple example to understand the client server network. When you search for anything on a search engine, you become the client. The server, via the internet, gets you answers to your search.

Features of Client Server Network

The following are the features of client server network:

1. Resource Sharing

A client-server network is great for sharing resources among all connected users. The server serves as a central point where files, printers, and application resources are managed. When a client wants to access these resources, it requests access from the server, which then grants permission as needed. This setup eliminates duplicate resources across the network. Instead of giving 50 users their own individual printers, a single high-capacity network printer can connect through the server for shared access, reducing costs and maintenance while efficiently utilizing resources.

2. Centralized Control

The server acts as the network's command centre, offering centralized control to manage the entire infrastructure. Network administrators can handle user authentication, access rights, security policies, and performance monitoring all from one location. This centralization greatly simplifies network management. An IT administrator can oversee hundreds of user accounts, quickly apply new security policies, and monitor network health from a single, consistent dashboard.

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3. Scalability

The most beneficial aspect of client-server networks is their inherent scalability. They can grow or contract based on business requirements without major restructuring. Organizations can start small with a few clients and scale up to hundreds or thousands by adding server capacity or more servers. The modular design of client-server architecture allows new users, applications, or resources to be added without disrupting existing services, making it especially effective for growing businesses needing adaptable infrastructure over time.

4. Reliability & Backup

Client-server networks are designed with reliability and data protection in mind. They have built-in redundancy and backup capabilities, ensuring stable and continuous service. Data safety is maintained through regular automated backups, while fault-tolerant systems prevent service interruptions. Most servers include an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to keep operations running during outages. This setup can achieve 99.9% uptime for network services. With daily backups and disaster recovery features, even if issues arise, data can be restored quickly with minimal loss.

5. Enhanced Security

With a centralized design, client-server networks offer strong security for network resources and data. They use multiple security layers, including firewalls, user authentication, access control, and encryption. Network access is monitored and controlled centrally, creating detailed logs and audit trails. The server can enforce stronger password policies, monitor login attempts, and encrypt sensitive data. This centralized approach simplifies the implementation and maintenance of consistent security measures across the entire network, protecting against both internal and external threats.

Advantages of the Client-Server Network

The following are the benefits of a client-server network:

1. Less damage since one client computer does not impact other computers in the network.
2. Easy recovery of files is possible since backups are centrally controlled by network administrators. 
3. More secure since files and everything else are centralized on such networks.
4. Larger networks can be created as new clients and servers can be added to the network. This makes this network more scalable.
5. Easy sharing of resources is possible due to the control from the server. 
6. Expandable storage capacity allows more data to be available on the server. Even hard drives can be added to the server in an easy manner.
7. The server is highly accessible since it can be accessed remotely from multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of the Client-Server Network

While there are a number of benefits of such a network, there are following limitations as well:

1. An expert professional is always required to maintain the server which makes it complex.
2. Due to the lack of resources, there is a possibility of system overload which in turn leads to network traffic congestion.
3. It is more expensive since servers are costly to buy, set up and maintain.
4. Any damage to the server will hamper the entire network since everything is directly dependent on the server. 

Conclusion

We hope that through this article, you have learned the applications, working, advantages and disadvantages of the client server network. While this network is highly scalable, it is equally expensive in its maintenance. Based on the requirement of your system, you should choose a network that will fulfil your purpose while being cost-effective.