NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
Multi-Tier Ciient/Server Architecture
Multi-tier client/server architecture consists of both three-tier and two-tier client/server
operations. In certain cases, it even includes applications that run solely at the client
level, in a sense a no-tier architecture. The motivation behind the multi-tier client/server is
to put the most appropriate computing resources in the hands of those who need them.
This requires careful assessment of computing requirements and the ability for an
1 information technology department to selectively apply its technologies to solve specific
f problems.
The left side of Figure 4 shows a traditional three-tier architecture. Here a Web browser
client (a very "thin” client) contains the presentation layer which is used to display
information to the end user. This presentation layer is connected to an application server
over a TCP/IP network (a private Intranet or the public Internet). The application server
contains all of the business rules for processing data that is stored on the database server
which is connected by a high-speed LAN. Thus, the presentation tier, application tier,
and data tier all combine to single-purposely perform the task for which they are most
capable. The “thin" client provides a graphical user interface for entry and display of
information, the application server runs the rules and processing, and the database
server simply responds to queries and returns information.
In the center of Figure 4 is another
method for utilizing a three-tier
architecture. Here a LAN exists
remotely. The browser can be
used locally on the LAN as the
presentation layer at each client.
In a case where the application
layer is very dominant in the
information processing, then the
application layer is located on the
remote LAN instead of at the site
Figure 4 with the data server (as in the
above example). This means that
the priority relationship is between the presentation client and the application server with
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