What Is a Web Client Server?
Most home networks and smaller networks are set up as peer-to-peer connections, meaning computers can access each other's files. For larger networks, a specific computer---known as a server---stores most of the files and completes most of the tasks that the other computers---or "clients"---have requested. A web server completes similar duties on a much larger scale, providing often worldwide access to remote clients.
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Client-Server Networks
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In network environments with more than 10 computers, according to TechSoup.com, a peer-to-peer system tends to slow down all of the computers involved. In this case, a dedicated server will improve performance by quickly handling the tasks that the clients are requesting. Servers are basically centralized computers that provide increased speed, data backup and security.
Server Software/Hardware
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Any computer can be used as a server, TechSoup.com says, but equipment specifically designed for the task will be much more effective. Servers typically have increased RAM capacity, the ability to support several processors, fast input and output, back-up power supplies and hard drives, fast network cards and "hot-swappable" drives that can be switched while the server is running. Servers come with specialized Network Operating Systems (NOS) and applications that range from email and fax programs to remote access programs.
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Web Servers
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In addition to the necessary hardware and software of a server, a web server computer must have a permanent Internet protocol (IP) address so it can be located and accessed at anytime. The web server program is the software used by the web server computer to interact with clients. According to WebDevelopersNotes.com, "Apache" is the most popular web server program because it can be used on Linux/Unix, Mac and Windows operating systems. When a client requests a web site, the web browser locates the IP address and provides access to the file on the web server. The browser then displays the website or page on the client.
Common Internet Protocols
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There are specific sets of instructions a client or browser must follow to interact with a server. As WebDevelopersNotes.com explains, these are known as "protocols." Files transferred from one machine to another employ the file transfer protocol (FTP). Emails generally use simple mail transport protocol (SMTP). The common protocol for web pages and the files contained within them is hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The World Wide Web brings these and other protocols together so they can all be accessed from a web browser.
Client-Server Architecture Models
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There are several ways the client and web server can interact. One common client-server architecture model is the static hypertext markup language (HTML) model, in which the browser finds and displays a simple, unchanging file from the server. When more complex files must be converted and interact dynamically with the browser, the common gateway interface (CGI) script model or the server-side scripting model are used.
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References
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