Centralized resource for an entire network

As with most complex technologies, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to networking. The needs and resources of each unique organization will correlate to a different set of networking solutions. This means that an individual or team that knows their organization and the relevant options will need to carefully consider the situation and determine the optimal network design for their situation.

In computer networking, the term "client server" describes a network architecture where computers known as servers are used to centrally manage access to the network and to network resources and store data.

Client server network architecture

Having a single server hosting the database of user names and passwords and, at the same time, managing what levels of access individual users and computers can have to specific network resources is a distinct advantage of client server architecture. Fewer support staff are needed to manage centralized security accounts than would be needed if security and resource access had to be configured on each individual computer on the network. This advantage is even greater in networks where users typically access resources from a number of computers, as resource access and log-on permissions would have to be configured for each user, on each computer that they use.

Dedicated servers

In one sense, cost can be seen as an advantage of client server network architecture. Few support staff are required to maintain the network and maintain access to network resources. However, the cost of server hardware and software is greater than the cost of buying desktop hardware and software licences, and the fact that single dedicated servers pose a risk to the entire network should they fail means that most business employ expensive fail-safe systems, such as maintaining backup servers, ready to come on-line the moment that the primary server fails. This kind of duplication of resources and the expertise needed to manage and maintain it goes someway to offsetting the savings enjoyed by needing fewer desktop support staff.