Client-server technology

Client-server technology describes a network architecture with a clear division of tasks between requesting and providing systems. The client sends a request, the server processes it and returns the result. Data, applications and services are held centrally on the server, for example in file, database, mail and web servers. Communication takes place through defined protocols such as HTTPS, SMB, SQL or SMTP. The advantages of this model include centralised data storage, consistent permission management, simplified backup procedures and reduced administration effort at the workstation. At the same time, dependency on server availability increases, which makes redundancy, clustering and backup concepts important. The architecture differs from peer-to-peer networks, which operate without a central instance. In corporate networks, the client-server model remains the standard structure.