Client Server Architecture: Diagram, Types, Examples, and Components!

Client-server architecture is a blueprint that shows you how to manage all services and requests are spread over the computer network system. Now, we are going to cover about what is client sever architecture with its diagram, types, and examples; involving with components of client server architecture with ease. so, i make ensure that after reading this article; you will definitely fully aware about Client Sever Architecture without getting any hassle.

What is Client Server Architecture?

Definition: Client-server architecture is also called of the “Client/Server Network” or “Network computing Model“, because in this architecture all services and requests are spread over the network. Its functionality like as distributed computing system because in which all components are performing their tasks independently from each other.

Diagram of Client Server Architecture

Client Server Architecture

Client Server Architecture in Computer Network

Client-server architecture is a shared computer network architecture where several clients (remote system) send many requests and finally to obtained services from the centralized server machine (host system). Client machine delivers user-friendly interface that helps to users to fire request services of server computer and finally to show your output on client system.

Client Server Architecture Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

  1. What is Client Server Architecture?
  2. Client Server Architecture in Computer Network
  3. Purpose of Client-Server Architecture
  4. How Does Client Server Architecture Work?
  5. Types of Client Server Architecture With Example
  • 1-Tier Architecture
  • 2-Tier Architecture
  • 3-Tier Architecture
  • N-Tier Architecture
  1. Examples of Client Server Architecture
  2. Components of Client Server Architecture
  3. Client Server Architecture Visualization
  4. Uses Cases of Client Server Architecture
  5. Client Server Architecture Upsides
  6. Client Server Architecture Downsides
  7. Peer to Peer Architecture Vs Client-Server Architecture
  8. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • What is client-server architecture with example?
  • What is client-server architecture component?
  • What are the three layers of the client-server architecture?
  • What are functions of client-server architecture?
  • What is client server architecture in DBMS?

Let’s Get Started!!

Purpose of Client-Server Architecture

Now these days, mostly organizations require a system that build it easy to process, collect and work on corporate data, then enhancing the business procedure efficiency and ensuring survivability in advanced world’s markets.

Also Read: Applications and Uses of Fiber Optic Cables!!

Therefore, client server architecture offers the perfect framework that today’s, all companies require to meet challenges of fastest evolving IT world’s sector.

How Does Client Server Architecture Work?

We know very well that client server architecture is designed with two essential core elements one is the offers servers and other end that uses those services.

client-Server-Architecture-Working

  • Whenever user put the URL (uniform resource locator) of any webpage then browser sends a request to DNS (domain name system) server.
  • Further, DNS server identify the address of web server then DNS server gets respond along with IP (Internet Protocol) address of the web server.
  • After getting the DNS responds, the browser again sends over HTTP or HTTPS request to IP of web server that was offered by DNS server.
  • Next, server sends over the mandatory files or the web page.
  • Now, at the final the browser renders the data and going to appear the desired website or file.

Types of Client Server Architecture With Example

1-Tier Architecture

Also Read: Fiber Optic Cable with Diagram | Types of Fiber Optic Cable with their Uses!!

In the 1-tier architecture, all client/server configuration setting, user interface environment, data logic, and marketing logic system are existed on the same system. These types of services are reliable but it is very difficult tasks to handle because they contain all data in different variance, which are allotted the replication of entire work. This architecture also contain the different layers.

Client Server 1-Tier Architecture

For example – Presentation, Business, Data Access layer with using of single software package. All data is saved on the local machine. Some applications, which manage all three tiers like as MP3 player, MS Office; but these types of applications are presented under 1-tier architecture applications. 

2-Tier Architecture

2-tier architecture provides the best client/server environment that helps to store user interface on the client system and all database is saved on the server machine. Business logic and database logic are existed on the client otherwise server, but they are required to be maintained. When data logic and business are gathered on the client terminal then it is known as “fat client thin server architecture”. But if Business Logic and Data Logic are controlled at the server machine then it is known as “thin client fat server architecture”.

Client-Server 2-tier Architecture

In this architecture, client and server machines are connected directly incorporation because if client is firing any input for server terminal then in between should not any intermediate. So, it delivers the output with fastest rate and to ignore misunderstanding between the other clients. For example – online ticket reservations program, in which 2-tier architecture is used.

Also Read: What is TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Working and Functions of TCP!!

Benefits Are

  • Easy to design all applications
  • Maximum user satisfaction
  • Implementation of Homogeneous Environment
  • Best performance

Limitations Are

  • Poor performance due to grow number of connections of each user
  • Less security
  • All clients are totally dependent upon the manufacturer’s database.
  • Less portability means this architecture is totally dependent upon the particular database.

3-Tier Architecture

In this 3-tier architecture, middleware is needed because if client machine sends the request to server machine then firstly this request is received by middle layer, and finally this request is obtained to server. So, firstly response of server is received by middle layer then it is obtained to client machine. All data logic and business logic are stored on the middleware. Due to use of middleware,  to improve its flexibility and deliver excellent performance.

Client-Server 3-tier Architecture

3-tier architecture is divided into 3 layers such as presentation layer (Client Tier), Application layer (Business Tier) and Database layer (Data Tier). Client machine handles the presentation layer, Application layer controls the Application layer, and finally Server machine takes care of Database layer.

Benefits Are

  • Best performed data integrity
  • Improved security to 2-tier architecture
  • Hide database structure

Limitation is:

To increase complexity of communication in between client and server because in which middleware is also used

N-Tier Architecture

This architecture is also known as the “Multitier Architecture”, so it is scaled form of 3-tier architecture. In this architecture, entire presentations, application processing, and data management functions are isolated from each other.

Also Read: What is Repeater in Networking? Complete Guide!!

Benefit is

It delivers the flexible and reusable applications.

Limitation is

Harder to implement because it uses the complex structure (componentization of tiers)

Examples of Client Server Architecture

There are four Client Server Architecture examples. Below explain each one:

Also Read: What is Gateway in Networking? Complete Guide!!

Web Servers – Web server likes as high performance computer system that can host multiples websites. On this server, to install different types of web server softwares like as Apache or Microsoft IIS, which delivers access to hosted several websites on the internet, and these servers are linked with internet through higher speed connection that delivers ultra data transmission rates.

Mail Servers – Email servers helps to send and receive all emails. Some softwares are run on the mail server which allow to administrator to create and handle all email accounts for any domain that is hosted on the server. Mail servers use the some protocols for sending and receiving emails such as SMTP, IMAP, and POP3. SMTP protocol helps to fire messages and manages all outgoing email requests. IMAP and POP3 help to receive all messages and handle all incoming mails.

File ServersFile server is dedicated systems that allow users to access for all files. It works like as centralized file storage location, and it can be accessed by several terminal systems.

DNS – DNS stands for “Domain Name Server“, and it has huge database of different types of public IP addresses, and they link with their hostnames

These types of server help to deliver all resources (like as files, directories, shared devices such as applications and printers) to client terminal like as PCs, smart phones, PDAs, laptops, tablets etc.

Components of Client Server Architecture

Client-server architecture contains three components such as workstations, server, and networking devices, and they are connected with each other.

Also Read: What is Bridge in Networking? Complete Guide!!

Workstation: Workstation is also known as “Client Computer“. There are different types of operating systems, which are installed on the workstations like as Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 10. These workstation operating systems are cheaper compare to server’s operating systems.

Client: Client is a device or application that requests services or resources from a server. Clients are available in the world in different variants like as computers, smartphones, or any other kinds of device that are capable to make the requests over the network.

Server: Server is a ultra performer computer system that contains the fastest memory, more hard drive space, and faster speed processors because they save and service of several requests which are coming from workstation side. A server plays different types of roles like as mail server, database server, file server, and domain controller at the same time duration.

Network Devices: With the help of network devices; workstations and servers are connected with each other. Every network device has own functionality like as hub is used for making connection between server to multiple workstations, repeater is used for moving data from one devices to another device, and bridges helps to isolate of all network segments.

Middleware: Middleware is especial software that works as the intermediary in between the client and server, data exchange, and facilitating communication.

Load Balancing: Load balancing involves distributing incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server is overwhelmed with too much load. This helps improve performance and reliability.

Firewall: Firewall is a network security device that helps to monitor and control the incoming and outgoing network traffic at the based on predetermined security rules. It also provides the protect of servers and clients from unauthorized access.

Client Server Architecture Visualization

Visualizing client-server architecture is often represented diagrammatically. Below is a simple description along with a diagram to help you understand the basic components and their interactions in typical client-server architecture.

   +———+        +———+        +———+

   |         |        |         |        |         |

   | Client  |  —>  | Network |  —>  | Server  |

   |         |        |         |        |         |

   +———+        +———+        +———+

The Client initiates a request for a service or resource and sends it over the Network.

The Network serves as the communication pathway between the client and the server. It can be a wired or wireless network, depending on the deployment.

The Server receives the request, processes it, and sends back a response over the Network to the client.

The Client receives the response and can display the result or take further action as needed.

This basic diagram represents a single client interacting with a single server. In real-world scenarios, there can be multiple clients communicating with multiple servers, and additional components like databases, load balancers, and middleware may be involved to enhance performance, scalability, and reliability.

Uses Cases of Client Server Architecture

Client-server architecture is widely used in various applications across different industries due to its flexibility, scalability, and ease of management. Here are some common use cases of client-server architecture:

Web Applications: The user’s browser acts as the client, making requests to a web server that hosts the application or website. The server processes these requests and sends back the corresponding web pages.

Email Services: Email clients (such as Outlook, Thunderbird) act as clients, connecting to email servers (like Microsoft Exchange, IMAP, or SMTP servers) to send and receive emails.

Database Management Systems: Database clients (database management tools or applications) connect to database servers to perform operations like querying, updating, or deleting data.

File Sharing: Clients request files or data from file servers, which manage the storage and retrieval of files in response to client requests.

Enterprise Applications: Client applications used by employees or users connect to server systems to access centralized databases, perform business operations, and share information across the organization.

Online Gaming: Game clients on users’ devices connect to game servers to facilitate real-time communication, synchronization of game state, and multiplayer interactions.

Remote Desktop Services: Users connect to remote desktop servers to access their desktop environment, applications, and files from a different location or device.

Communication Systems: Clients (softphones or conferencing apps) connect to servers to establish communication sessions, manage call signalling, and facilitate real-time media exchange.

Cloud Computing: Clients interact with cloud servers to access resources, storage, processing power, and other services hosted in the cloud.

Print Servers: Print clients send print jobs to print servers, which manage the printing process and send the output to the appropriate printers.

Client Server Architecture Upsides

Also Read: Advantages, Disadvantages, Characteristics of Client Server Architecture!!

  • Client server architecture has fully right to control all activities of entire network centralized.
  • All data is saved on the central area.

Client Server Architecture Downsides

  • If, main server gets halt then entire system will be failed.
  • More expensive to configure their hardware and software components

Peer to Peer Architecture Vs Client-Server Architecture

There are many differences in between the client server and P2P network architecture technique; below shown all:

Also Read: Twisted Pair Cable: Diagram, Types, Examples, Application, and Uses!!

Client Server Architecture

  • The main goal is to share the data.
  • It contains a centralized server for storage data.
  • It has proper differentiate both server and clients
  • This system is more costly compare to peer to peer architecture.
  • This approach is mostly used for small to enlarge network.
  • All data is severed only in response to a request.

Peer-to-Peer Architecture

  • Its target is to establish the connections in between all peers.
  • But, here every linked devices have own files and applications.
  • No having any differentiation among the clients and servers.
  • But, it is less expensive to client server architecture.
  • P2P network technique is implemented for few users, usually less than ten peers.
  • But, here all peers having own rights to requests as well as offer a service.
  • All concern like as Backups and network protection also can be managed centrally.
  • All users also have right to access entire shard files which are stored centrally.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is client-server architecture with example?

Client-server architecture is a blueprint that shows you how to manage all services and requests are spread over the computer network system. There are four examples: Mail servers, File servers, Web servers, and DNS (Domain Name Server).

What is client-server architecture component?

Client-server architecture has three major components such as workstations, server, and networking devices, and they are connected with each other. Already we have been explaining above in article; you can check them.

What are the three layers of the client-server architecture?

Three-tier architecture has three layers such as presentation layer (Client Tier), Application layer (Business Tier) and Database layer (Data Tier). Client machine handles the presentation layer, Application layer controls the Application layer, and finally Server machine takes care of Database layer.

What are functions of client-server architecture?

The main function of client-server architecture is as a storage system for data. In this approach, all data and applications on storage devices are kept stored on the remote server. Whenever a client requires getting access a specific file or application then it sends a request to server.

What is client server architecture in DBMS?

In database management systems, the client-server architecture is a common model used to manage and organize data in a structured manner. In this architecture, the DBMS resides on a single computer, and clients connect to that server to access the data. The client-server architecture consists of many PCs and a workstation that are connected via a network. Clients interact with the server to retrieve, update, and manage data stored in the database.

Final Words

This precious article revealed all possible stuffs related to Client server architecture such as Client Server Architecture Diagram with its Types, Examples, Components, Working and many Advantage & Disadvantage over the P2P network architecture with ease.

If this article is helpful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: What is Modem: Types, Function, Uses, Purpose | Modem Full Form

If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Thanks for Reading!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *