Demystifying Client-Server Networks: An In-Depth Explanation

The client-server network is simple to understand. It is a network model or architecture between a client and the server where the client sends a request, and the job of the server is to fulfil whatever the client’s request is.

Simple, isn’t it?

To explain in clearer terms, the one who searched for and is now reading this article is the client, thanks to the server who brought this article to respond to your query.

We hope your answers were cleared already; if not, and you are looking for more in-depth knowledge on the client-server network, scroll down below.

How Does a Client-Server Network Work?

Before jumping to the main topic of learning how a client-server network works, let’s first learn about the hardware used in a client-server network.

Clients’ hardware is typically a PC or other mobile device that comes preloaded with network apps. The person on the other side of the computer sends a request to the server via the internet.

As you may have guessed by now, the one that resides on the server-side is a ‘server’ or data centre that stores myriads of data in files, databases, and applications. 

Now we know the hardware used in a client-server network, so let’s look at the working of the client-server network:

The client-server network works based on the principle of a two-way street, where the client sends the requests simultaneously and sends an update and appropriate results for the requested queries.

A client-server network comprises multiple clients and servers; therefore, network traffic can be significant. To save bandwidth on the network, the server shuts the connection to the client once the job is completed. As a result, the speed with which results are delivered is determined by the bandwidth efficiency of the client and server.

The client-server architecture can be utilised both on the internet and in a local area network (LAN), such as in a company or organisation.

What Are the Advantages of a Client-Server Network?

Here is a list of some of the advantages:

• Even if the clients and servers are not in close proximity, data can be transferred and retrieved efficiently. 
• A single server that hosts all essential data in one location simplifies data protection and user permission and authentication management.
• A client-server network can be expanded by adding network segments, servers, and computers without causing substantial downtime.
• The client-server system’s nodes are all self-contained, requesting data solely from the server, making updates, replacements, and relocation of nodes simple.
• The data transferred between the client and the server in a client-server network is platform agnostic. 

How to Create a Client-Server Network?

Setting up a client-server network is not as hard as you may assume. A domain controller, DHCP, and DNS are all you’ll need. The following are the steps to creating an effective client-server network:

1. Install the network operating system on the server to act as the foundation for your network.
2. In order to set up the server as a domain controller, it must have a preset network name. Install the Active Directory component to build the domain, user accounts, and computer accounts.
3. On each of the laptops and PCs, install your client operating system. Windows XP Professional is categorised as a client operating system.
4. Join your client computers to the domain, right-click “My Computer” and select properties, then select the “Computer Name” tab at the top of the properties window.
5. The current domain or workgroup to which the machine belongs is displayed here. Select the “Alter” button to change the computer’s name and domain.
6. Install the network operating system on your next server to prepare for the file server.
7. Log in to the server and select “Manage Your Server”.
8. Place your network operating system disc in the server and click “Add a Component” when your server application starts up.
9. You’ll be able to set up various server roles here, just as you did when setting up Active Directory, DHCP, and DNS on your domain controller. Click “Next” after selecting “File Server.”
10. Windows will instantly launch the file-sharing component and launch a share wizard, allowing you to begin establishing shared folders.

Conclusion 

A client-server makes data transmission easier, but it also safeguards the data being sent. Implementing the network is a good option for organisations searching for secure and faster transmission of data and information.

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