Computer Networks Serving Client Requests: Components, Advantages, and Challenges

Our daily lives today are inseparable from the internet and computer networks. One type of computer network where the server serves client requests is a client-server network. What is it and what are its components? Before conducting server monitoring for smooth network performance, check out the information about client-server networks below.

What is a Computer Network that Serves Client Requests?

Client server network is an internet network consisting of a central computer, functioning as a server and directing several other computers called clients. Server is an advanced computer that provides resources and services to other computers or clients.

The client requests information or services from the server, which processes the request and sends back the response. Clients can access shared documents and information stored on the serving machine by connecting to the server. Furthermore, the client-server network is fundamentally similar to a peer-to-peer network, with the only difference being that only the server can initiate transactions.

This network is a communication architecture where clients receive data sources and services from a dedicated host through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), such as the internet. A special server called a daemon can be used to wait for client requests, where a network connection is established and maintained until the client’s request is fulfilled.

Computer Network Components that Serve Client Requests

Here are the 4 components of a client-server network:

1. Server

A server is a hardware or software computer that provides functionality for its consumers or users. IT professionals can utilize six different servers to create client-server connections, such as database servers, application servers, web servers, compute servers, proxy servers, and DNS servers.

2. Client

IT professionals categorize clients or server requesters into three categories: thin, thick, and hybrid. Thin clients rely on the server’s resources and processing capacity to perform many core functions of the device. Thick client is a device that can independently process large amounts of data and perform multiple tasks.

Finally, there is the hybrid client, which is a device capable of processing data within its own system but relies on a server to store data for larger or repetitive processing tasks.

3. Load Balancer

This component is responsible for distributing incoming queries to several servers. Its function is to manage server traffic and maximize resource utilization to ensure balanced performance.

4. Network Protocol

In a client-server network, network protocols are used to facilitate communication between the consumer and the server. The common TCP/IP protocol system uses a request-response message pattern for communication.

Network protocols divide application data into packets that can be transmitted over the network and manage flow control. After the TCP connection is established, the connection is maintained until the exchange of messages between the client and server is complete. Each independent unit of data traveling through the internet is not related to other units of data.

Advantages of Computer Networks that Serve Client Requests

Client-server networks offer several advantages that benefit the client, namely:

1. Centralized

One server that houses all important data in one location makes data security, authorization, and user authentication control much easier. Any issues that arise across the network can be resolved in one location.

2. Scalability

The client-server network can be expanded by adding network segments, servers, and PCs with minimal downtime. The client-server network offers scalability. The number of resources such as clients and servers can be increased according to user needs. Therefore, the size of the server can be increased without obstacles.

3. Easy Management

Clients and servers do not have to be close to each other to access data effectively. It is very easy to handle documents because everything is stored on the same server. The best management for tracking and finding the necessary documents is offered in this network.

4. Accessibility

All nodes in the client-server network are standalone. Nodes only request data from the server, making it possible to perform updates, replacements, and relocations quite easily.

5. Data Security

The centralized client-server network design ensures that data is well protected. Access control can be used to enforce it and ensure that only authorized users are allowed to access it.

One of these techniques is to implement credentials such as usernames and passwords. Additionally, if the data is destroyed, it will be easy to recover the document from a backup.

Challenges of Computer Networks Serving Client Requests

On the other hand, some of the challenges faced by computer networks serving client requests are:

1. Network Traffic Jam

As a major challenge, congestion usually occurs due to system overload, resulting in insufficient resources to serve all clients. If too many different clients try to connect to the network at the same time, the connection may fail or slow down.

Furthermore, if the internet connection is interrupted, any website or client in the world will not be able to access that information. Large-scale businesses may be at risk of not being able to obtain important information that could be very detrimental.

2. High Costs

In a client-server network, the cost of setting up and maintaining the server is usually higher than the cost of running the network. Due to its capabilities, the cost required to use this network is also high. As a result, not all users are able to use it.

3. Endurance

If the main server experiences a malfunction, let alone a failure, the entire network will be disrupted. Therefore, this network is considered less resilient in terms of data because of its centralized and highly dependent nature.

4. Maintenance Difficulties

When the server is installed, the server will continue to run. This means that the server needs to be well-maintained at all times. If an error occurs, it must be corrected immediately without delay. Therefore, a qualified network manager must be employed to maintain the server at all times, which incurs additional costs.

5. Risk of Unobtainable Resources

Not all resources on the server are readily available for access. For example, clients cannot directly print documents they obtain from the web or change any information stored on the client’s hard drive just like that. So, there are still limitations here and there.

The client-server network facilitates data transmission while protecting the data being sent. Using this network is a smart solution for businesses looking for faster and more secure data transfer. Ensure the security of your network and server is maintained with Netmonk. Reliable with experience with hundreds of clients, find out more about Netmonk’s services on the Netmonk website!