Client/Server Architecture

There are several types of client/server Architecture that we use according to the usage requirements. Types of client/server Architecture are discussed here.

1. 1-Tier Architecture

2. 2-Tier Architecture

3. 3-Tier Architecture

   
   

1-Tier Architecture

In 1-Tier Architecture the database is directly available to the user, the user can directly sit on the DBMS and use it, that is, the client, server, and Database are all present on the same machine. For The industry won’t use this architecture they logically go for 2-tier and 3-tier Architecture.

Advantages of 1-Tier Architecture

Below mentioned are the advantages of 1-Tier Architecture.

• Simple Architecture: 1-Tier Architecture is the most simple architecture to set up, as only a single machine is required to maintain it.

• Cost-Effective: No additional hardware is required for implementing 1-Tier Architecture, which makes it cost-effective.

• Easy to Implement: 1-Tier Architecture can be easily deployed, and hence it is mostly used in small projects.

  
  

2-Tier Architecture

The 2-tier architecture is similar to a basic client-server model . The application at the client end directly communicates with the database on the server side. APIs like ODBC and JDBC are used for this interaction. The server side is responsible for providing query processing and transaction management functionalities. On the client side, the user interfaces and application programs are run. The application on the client side establishes a connection with the server side to communicate with the DBMS.

Advantages of 2-Tier Architecture

• Easy to Access: 2-Tier Architecture makes easy access to the database, which makes fast retrieval.

• Scalable: We can scale the database easily, by adding clients or upgrading hardware.

• Low Cost: 2-Tier Architecture is cheaper than 3-Tier Architecture and Multi-Tier Architecture .

• Easy Deployment: 2-Tier Architecture is easier to deploy than 3-Tier Architecture.

• Simple: 2-Tier Architecture is easily understandable as well as simple because of only two components.

  
  

3-Tier Architecture

In 3-Tier Architecture , there is another layer between the client and the server. The client does not directly communicate with the server. Instead, it interacts with an application server which further communicates with the database system and then the query processing and transaction management takes place. This intermediate layer acts as a medium for the exchange of partially processed data between the server and the client. This type of architecture is used in the case of large web applications.

Advantages of 3-Tier Architecture

• Enhanced scalability: Scalability is enhanced due to the distributed deployment of application servers. Now, individual connections need not be made between the client and server.

• Data Integrity: 3-Tier Architecture maintains Data Integrity. Since there is a middle layer between the client and the server, data corruption can be avoided/removed.

• Security: 3-Tier Architecture Improves Security. This type of model prevents direct interaction of the client with the server thereby reducing access to unauthorized data.

  
  

Disadvantages of 3-Tier Architecture

• More Complex: 3-Tier Architecture is more complex in comparison to 2-Tier Architecture. Communication Points are also doubled in 3-Tier Architecture.