Client-server models

Introduction
By now you know that a server is a computer program or device that provides
services or resources to other devices or programs, known as clients, over a
network. And a server can be a physical machine or virtual machine that runs on a
cloud-based platform.
Can you think of what role servers play in your daily work and personal life? When
you share a file with a colleague, a server handles the data transfer. Or, when you
attend a webinar or stream your favorite series a server is working behind the
scenes. When you back up your family photos online, it is saved on a server. Even
something as simple as email communication is made possible by servers.
In this reading, you will learn how businesses use servers today. You will also learn
about the different client-server models and explore different types of servers.
How servers can help businesses and organizations
Servers are a vital component of modern businesses. They provide a centralized
location for managing and accessing resources and services, which can help
businesses to simplify their operations and improve their efficiency. Below are some
ways that servers can improves businesses.
Improved collaboration: Servers can facilitate collaboration because they provide
a centralized location for storing and sharing files. This can help teams to work
together more efficiently and improve their productivity.
Scalability: Servers can scale up or down to meet the changing needs of a
business. This means that businesses can easily add or remove resources as their
needs change, which can help them to save money and avoid wastage.
Security: Servers provide a secure platform for storing and managing sensitive
data, such as customer information, financial data, and intellectual property. This
can help businesses to protect their assets and avoid data breaches.
Accessibility: Servers provide remote access to resources and services, which can
help businesses to operate from anywhere in the world. This can help businesses to
expand their reach and improve their customer service.
Cost savings: Servers save businesses money by reducing the need for expensive
hardware and software. They also downscale IT staff by providing centralized
management and maintenance.
Client-server working models
There are a few client-server models that differ in terms of how the client and
server software communicates and how the server shares data and resources with
clients. Let’s explore different client-server models.
Request-response model: This is the most common type of client-server model.
In this model, the client sends a request to the server, and the server responds with
the requested data or resource. The request can be a simple HTTP request or a
more complex one, such as a database query. The client can be a web browser, a
mobile app, or any other software that can send a request to a server. This model is
widely used in web applications you use every day, such as Bing search, Office 365
online applications and Microsoft Outlook, where the client requests web pages or
data from a web server.

Peer-to-peer model (P2P):A peer-to-peer model has no central server. Instead,

all devices on the network can act as both a client and a server, sharing data and
resources with each other. This P2P model is commonly used in file-sharing
applications, where users can share files directly without needing a central server.
Peer-to-peer networks can be more scalable and fault-tolerant than client-server
networks, as there is no single point of failure.
Publish-subscribe model: In a publish-subscribe model, the server sends data to
clients who have subscribed to receive updates on specific topics or events. The
clients do not send requests to the server, instead, they receive data whenever the
server publishes updates. This model is commonly used in real-time applications,
such as stock market tickers or social media feeds, where clients need to receive
real-time updates.
Risks involved in client-server networking
While client-server networking can benefit a business, some risks must be
considered. The most common risks are:
Security risks: Client-server networks are susceptible to various security threats,
such as viruses, malware, hacking, and data breaches. If attackers succeed in
compromising a server on a network, it will be easy to manipulate client machines
on that network too. These threats can result in the loss or theft of sensitive data,
damage the business’s reputation, and incur financial losses.
Dependency: Client-server networks depend on the server to provide services and
resources. If the server goes down or experiences a technical issue, it can disrupt
the entire network and affect business operations.
Complexity: Client-server networks can be complex to set up and maintain,
requiring specialized technical expertise. This can increase the maintenance costs
of a network and make it difficult for businesses without technical expertise to
manage the network effectively.
Cost: Client-server networks can require significant upfront costs, including
purchasing and maintaining servers, software licenses, and other hardware. This
can be a barrier for small businesses or startups with limited resources.
Downtime: Client-server networks can experience downtime due to technical
issues, maintenance, or upgrades. This can result in a loss in productivity and
revenue.
Conclusion
Nowadays, businesses rely heavily on servers for their business operations. In this
reading, you gained insight into the significance of servers in modern-day
computing and how they support business growth. You learned about the different
client-server models and about the potential risks associated with client-server
networking

Different types of servers

Introduction
Modern computing relies on a variety of servers to perform different functions.
That’s because different applications require different kinds of resources and
processing power. In this reading, you will learn about the main types of servers.
Knowing about different types of servers will help you to identify and mitigate
threats and vulnerabilities in different environments. Let’s discuss some of the most
prominent types of servers.
File server
A file server is a server that stores and manages files for clients on a network. It
allows users to share files and access files from a central location. File servers are
often used in business environments to facilitate employee collaboration and file
sharing. The advantage of file servers is that they allow for centralized file storage,
which makes it easier to manage files and ensure data consistency. The downside is
that file servers can be expensive to set up and maintain, and they may require
specialized software.
Web server
A web server is a server that delivers web pages to clients over the internet. When
a client requests a web page, the web server retrieves the page from its storage
and sends it to the client's web browser. Web servers are the backbone of the World
Wide Web, and they are used to host websites, web applications, and web services.
The advantage of web servers is that they allow for easy access to web-based
services and resources. The downside is that they can be vulnerable to security
threats, such as hacking and denial-of-service attacks.
Mail server
A mail server is a server that handles email communications between clients on a
network. It allows users to send and receive email messages and manage their
email accounts. Mail servers are commonly used in business environments to
facilitate email communication among employees. The advantage of mail servers is
that they provide a centralized email management system, which makes it easier to
manage and monitor email traffic. The downside is that mail servers can be
vulnerable to security threats, such as spam and phishing attacks.
Database server
A database server is a server that stores and manages databases for clients on a
network. It allows users to access and manipulate data in a centralized location.
Database servers are commonly used in business environments to manage large
amounts of data, such as customer information and inventory data. The advantage
of database servers is that they provide a centralized database management
system, which makes it easier to manage and maintain a huge amount of data. The
downside is that they can be expensive to set up and maintain, and they require
specialized software and expertise.
Application server
This is a specialized type of server that hosts applications for clients on a network. It
allows users to access and use applications from a centralized location. Application
servers are commonly used in business environments to manage enterprise
applications, for example, customer relationship management (CRM) applications
and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The advantage of application
servers is that they provide a centralized application management system, which
makes it easier to manage and maintain applications. The downside is that they can
be expensive to set up and maintain, and they require specialized software and
expertise.
Print server
A print server is a server that manages printing resources for clients on a network.
It allows users to send print jobs to printers from a centralized location. Print servers
are commonly used in business environments to manage printing resources and
monitor printing activity. The advantage of print servers is that they provide a
centralized printing management system, which makes it easier to manage and
maintain printing resources.
Media server
A media server is a computer system or application that stores, manages, and
distributes multimedia content, such as audio, video, and images. It allows users to
stream or share media files over a network, making it accessible from anywhere in
the world. Media servers can be used to manage personal media collections, share
content with family and friends, or provide multimedia content in commercial
settings. Some media servers also come with advanced features like transcoding,
which allows users to convert media files into different formats for compatibility
with different devices.
Game server
A game server is a specialized type of server that hosts online multiplayer games.
Game servers typically require high processing power, low latency, and high
bandwidth to ensure a smooth gaming experience for players. They also require
specialized software to manage game sessions, handle player data, and enforce
game rules. Game servers can be hosted by game developers or third-party hosting
providers and are essential for popular multiplayer games like Minecraft, World of
Warcraft, Fortnite, and Counter-Strike. In addition to hosting game sessions, some
game servers also support community features like chat, forums, and leaderboards,
which help foster a sense of community among players.
Conclusion
Servers play a critical role in the modern digital landscape, providing a wide range
of services and resources to users and devices over networks. In fact, most likely
you interact with all kinds of servers daily in your personal and professional life
without even knowing it. In this reading, you gained insight into the most common
types of servers and their uses.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Introduction
So far you’ve learned that in a client-server network model, the clients and the
server communicate with each other to exchange information and services. But you
also learned that in order for devices to communicate on the network, devices need
IP address configuration. So, client-server networks will not be possible without IP
address assignment too and that is the focus of this reading.
Remember, there are two ways devices can be addressed on a network and that is
by static or dynamic IP address assignment. Static configuration requires that you
manually set up IPv4 configuration on network devices. On the other hand, Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically assigns IP addresses and other
network configuration settings to devices on a network.
Since a client-server network already includes a server, it uses DHCP instead of
static configuration. In this reading, you will explore the communication process
between the client and server in terms of the lease process and IP address renewal
process.
How Does DHCP Work?
When a device connects to a network, it sends a request for an IP address to the
DHCP server. The DHCP server then assigns an available IP address to the device,
along with other network configuration settings such as:
 Subnet mask
 Default gateway
 DNS server addresses
DHCP uses a process called leasing to assign IP addresses. When a device needs IP
addresses and sends the request to the DHC server, the server assigns an address
to it from the available pool of IP addresses. Additionally, the server then assigns a
lease time to the IP address which is the amount of time the device can use the IP
address before it needs to be renewed.
When the lease time expires, the device must renew the IP address by requesting a
new lease from the DHCP server. If the IP address is still available, the server will
renew the lease and extend the lease time. If the IP address is no longer available,
the server will assign a new IP address to the device.
Let’s review the steps involved in DHCP IP assignment and renewal process in
detail.
DHCP IP assignment steps
DHCP Discover: This step is like a device shouting, "Hello, is there anyone out
there who can give me an IP address?" The device sends out a broadcast message
called DHCP Discover, which is intended to find any available DHCP servers on the
network. This message includes some details about the device, such as its MAC
address and hostname. It's like the device is introducing itself to the network,
saying "Hey, I'm new here, and I need an IP address to start working properly." A
MAC address is a unique identifier for every device that connects to a network. It's
shown as a series of 12 characters that include numbers (0-9) and letters (A-F or a-
f). These characters are often grouped into pairs and separated by colons (:) or
dashes (-). For example, the MAC address 02A4C67890BD can be written as
02:a4:c6:78:90:bd or 02-A4-C6-78-90-BD.
DHCP Offer: When a DHCP server receives the DHCP Discover message, it sends
out a reply, "Yes, I can help you out! Here's an IP address you can use." This reply is
called DHCP Offer, and it includes an available IP address that the server can assign
to the device. It's like a shop assistant telling you, "Yes, we have that item in stock,
and it's available for you."
DHCP Request: After receiving the DHCP Offer, the device is excited and says,
"Yes, I want that IP address, please!" The device then sends a DHCP Request
message to the DHCP server, requesting the IP address that was offered. It's like a
customer answering the shop assistant saying “Yes, I want that product, please!"
DHCP Acknowledgment: Finally, the DHCP server replies to the device's request
with a DHCP Acknowledgment message, which is like saying, "Sure, that IP address
is yours, and here are some additional details you need to know." The
acknowledgment message confirms the assignment of the IP address to the device
and provides the additional configuration information. It's like the shop assistant
handing the product over to the customer and saying, "Here's your purchase, and
here are the batteries you need to make it work." The image below demonstrates
the steps of the DHCP IP assignment process as discussed above.
But, this IP address will only be valid for a limited time, therefore there is also a
DHCP IP renewal process that involves more steps. Let’s explore them.
DHCP IP renewal process
DHCP Lease Time: When a device gets an IP address from a DHCP server, the
server also assigns a lease time to that address. The lease time is like a permission
slip that says the device can use the IP address for a certain period. Think of it like
successfully borrowing a book from the library for some time.
DHCP Renewal: As the lease time nears its end, the device starts to get nervous
and wonders, "What will happen when my lease is up? Will I lose my IP address?" To
avoid losing the IP address, the device sends a DHCP Renewal request to the DHCP
server. It's like asking the librarian, "Can I borrow the book for another while,
please?"
DHCP Server Response: The DHCP server receives the DHCP Renewal request
and checks if the IP address is still available. If the IP address is still free, the server
sends a DHCP Acknowledgment message that renews the lease time for the device.
It's like the librarian saying, "Sure, you can borrow this book for another while, have
fun reading!"
DHCP Address Release: If the device doesn't renew the lease, or the DHCP server
doesn't respond to the renewal request, the lease time expires. The IP address is
then released back to the pool of available addresses. It's like the librarian saying,
"Sorry, you have kept the book in your possession for enough time, it's time to
return it to the library."
The image below demonstrates the IP renewal process discussed above.
Advantages and disadvantages of the DHCP system
There are several advantages of DHCP. Its automated process simplifies network
configuration, reduces administrative overhead and configuration errors, especially
for large networks. But there are also some disadvantages of DHCP because it relies
on a single DHCP server to manage the assignment of IP addresses and other
configuration information. If the DHCP server goes down, devices on the network
may not be able to obtain IP addresses or connect to the network. DHCP can also
introduce security risks if not configured properly. For example, rogue DHCP servers
can be used to assign IP addresses and other configuration information to devices
on the network, potentially exposing sensitive data to attackers.
DHCP Relay
Imagine you're a device that needs an IP address, but you're not directly connected
to a DHCP server. Instead, you're connected to a switch that's connected to another
switch, and that switch is finally connected to the DHCP server. What do you do?
Well, that's where a DHCP relay agent comes in. It is like having a messenger bird
that flies between you and the DHCP server to deliver your message. A DHCP Relay
Agent is a special program that's installed on the switches. It intercepts and
forwards DHCP messages between devices on other subnets and the DHCP server.
Conclusion
In this reading, you discovered how a client-server model works with DHCP IP
assignment. You’ve explored the DHCP IP assignment and renewal process in more
detail. And you’ve also learned about DHCP relay agents and some advantages and
disadvantages of DHCP.

Additional resources: Network client and server

You’ve finished another lesson! You have been introduced to several interesting
topics in this lesson, from client-server networks to remote access and DHCP. Here
you will find resourceful links for further study.
For starters, here’s an article to learn more about client-server networks. It provides
good insight into the different types of client-server networks.
After reading this, if you are interested in setting up a small network for your
business, this article will help you.
When it comes to configuring networks, many aspects are involved, for example, IP
addresses, subnet masks, and gateways. Here is a collection of Microsoft articles
that can be helpful if you need a brush up on these network configuration terms.
Servers are a core part of modern computing. They are the workhorses behind
every modern web application and shared resources at home and office between
multiple computers. Here is a step-by-step guide if you want to set up a print server
or a file server on Windows.
Finally, you know that DHCP is a core part of every network for assigning IP
addresses automatically. If you had to do this manually, it could be really tiring and
tedious. Head over to this helpful collection of articles to learn more about the DHCP
system.
If you are ready for a challenge, here is a step-by-step guide to setting up a DHCP
server from PowerShell.
Finally, this fantastic collection of articles contains guidelines and information about
remote access and VPNs.
Remember to use these resources to expand your technical skill set.