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Client
- A computer that requests the services provided by a server.
- Client makes request to server, server provides
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Client-Server Model
- A system in which some of the computers (clients) request services provided by the other computers (servers).
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Peer-to-peer
- A network in which each node can share its files with all the other nodes. Each node has its own data and there is no central server.
- Use by small companies (no more than 10 nodes (workstations)) – more than 10 leads to performance and management issues
- Each of its nodes (workstations) can share its files with all the other nodes and each of the nodes will have its own data
- There is no central storage - no requirement to authenticate users
- Example:
- A builder with 5 associated workers located in their own homes who only need access to each other’s diaries, previous jobs and so on
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Initially servers were used to provide extra facilities that the PCs shared (such as: file store, software applications or printing)
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A further development was the implementation of the ‘client-server’ architecture, where we have a ‘client’ and a ‘server’.
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In general terms, a server is a suite of software that can be installed on virtually any computer system.
- Some software requires enhanced hardware (such as file servers or application servers)
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In the case of a ‘web server’, this provides access to a web application and handles HTTP requests.
- The client is the web browser software.
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Original uses of the web: a browser displaying web pages which contained information (the web pages were static).
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For a client-server application, the web page is ‘dynamic’ because the client’s request determines what is displayed.
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In this context, the variety of applications that can be supported is unlimited. Only requirement: the application involves user’s interaction.
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Client-server applications example: ‘ecommerce’
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Most apps require a ‘web-enabled’ database