GCSE > Computer Science > Edexcel > GCSE Computer Science > COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Networks > Client–server network model
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  • A network has servers and clients: the server provides services (e.g. files, websites, authentication), and the clients request and use these services. Examples of client–server networks include:
    • File server: stores and manages files
    • Web server: delivers websites 
    • Printer server: manages print jobs 
    • Authentication server: verifies usernames/passwords
Advantages of the client–server model Disadvantages of the client–server model
  • Central file storage accessible from any client
  • Central backups for all data
  • Central software/security updates
  • Team collaboration on shared documents
  • Central account management
  • If the server fails, clients lose access
  • Costly server hardware
  • Single target for cyberattacks
  • Can be overloaded by too many requests (e.g. DoS attacks)

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