3.3 Server Components

Question 1

In the client server which component is active and which is inactive?

Answer 1

The client is active while the server is inactive as the server must wait for a client before sending a response, meaning the client always initiates communication.

Question 2

What are some services provided by servers?

Answer 2

• Print Services
• Fax Services
• Communication Services
• Database Services
• File Services

Question 3

Explain the File Service of Servers.

Answer 3

Allowing clients to store, access, and manipulate files on a server as if they were on a local hard disk.

Question 4

Explain the Print Service of servers.

Answer 4

Clients can access and use printers connected to the server, as if these printers were connected to the client themself.

Question 4

Explain the Fax service of Servers.

Answer 4

Clients do not need to be connected to a telephone line of a fax machine but could instead use that which is connected to the server, by requesting for the faxing service.

Question 5

Explain the Communication Service of Servers.

Answer 5

Through the server clients can access, and communicate with computers they are not directly connected to.

Question 5

Explain the database Service of Servers.

Answer 5

Clients can access a database server by sending database commands eg. SQL queries which are processed by the database server and the results sent back to the client.

Question 5

What are the client-server architectural principles for process distribution benefits for the server?

Answer 5

-> Location Independence: The server process can be located anywhere in the network

-> Resouce Optimization: The server process is shared

-> Scalability: The server process can be upgraded and improved

-> Interoperability and Integration: The server should be able to work in plug-and-play environments.

Question 5

What are the 5 server functions/Steps taken by the master server for handling requests?

Answer 5

• The Master opens a port where the client request reaches
• The Master waits for the client’s request to arrive
• The Master can choose to allocate a new port for an incoming request and notify the client
• The Master initiates a slave that handles a request and upon completion terminates itself.
• The master then goes back to step 2 and waits for client requests.