Client/Server Networks In contrast to the previously described architectures, the client/server model of computing is a logical model of computing that processes ap-
plications within a physical local-area network or wide-area network or both. In the client/server (C/S) computing model, processing is split between a user worksta-
tion (called a client) and one or more other computers (called servers).* Generally speaking, the client initiates a request for services from the server, and the server, complying with the request, returns the processing results to the client computer. The application processing is optimally allocated to the network resources that can most efficiently handle the task, either the Client Workstation, or one or more servers, .or both the client and servers: The majority of seivers are. dedicated data-
base Servers that act as central repositories, thus enabling clients to share data and files, conduct database searches, and update: the data base. Popular client/server applications include transaction processing, decision support, and data analysis.