Client-Server

Refers to a popular model for computer networking that utilizes client and server devices, each designed for specific purposes.

‘Client’ devices typically are PCs with network software applications installed that request and receive information over the network.  Mobile devices can also function as ‘clients’.

A ‘server’ device typically stores files and databases including more complex applications.  Server devices often feature higher-powered central processors, more memory, and larger disk drives than client devices.

Network ‘clients’ make requests to a server by sending messages, and servers respond to their ‘clients’ by acting on each request and returning results.  One server generally supports multiple clients.  Multiple servers can be networked together in a pool.

Client-Server networks are popular in business environments, and can be used on the Internet (WAN) or on LANs.