3.6 Existing Client-Server Architecture

Question 1

Name 3 existing client-server architectures.

Answer 1

• Mainframe based environments
• Internet Based environments
• LAN-based environments

Question 2

How do mainframe environments work?

Answer 2

Here the mainframe does all the work, and the only way for users to interact with it is through the use of terminals called dumb terminals because they can only display information.

Question 3

What are some characteristics of mainframe-based environments?

Answer 3

• All data processing is done on the mainframe
• It is expensive to run
• Developing or updating applications takes a lot of time and effort

Question 4

How do internet-based environments work?

Answer 4

Users access applications through the use of a web browser and data processing is distributed between clients and servers.

Question 5

What are some advantages of internet-based environments?

Answer 5

• Applications are easy to update as they need to be updated only on the server
• Applications can be accessed on any device that has a web browser

Question 6

How do LAN-based environments work?

Answer 6

Severs provide services and clients are connected to the servers to get access to those services.

Question 7

What are the advantages of LAN-based environments over mainframe-based environments?

Answer 7

• Tasks are divided across multiple servers, making it easier to manage and scale
• Resources are easily shared across multiple devices on the network reducing cost.