Unit 40 Client/Server Computing Systems Assignment Brief 2026
| Qualification | Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Computing |
| Unit Number | 40 |
| Unit Title | Client/Server Computing Systems |
| Unit code | Y/618/7467 |
| Unit type | Core |
| Unit level | 5 |
| Credit value | 15 |
Introduction
The client/server system is a distributed application structure that partitions tasks or workloads between the providers of a resource or service (called servers) and service requesters (called clients). It is the basis of most internet communication. When surfing the internet, sending and receiving emails, and using VoIP software and other application, these functions work by using client/server systems.
This unit introduces students to the client/server system, an exchange mode for different applications. It consists of communication processes between clients and servers, the operation of applications based on the client/server system, and the socket programming used to code the system.
Among the topics included in this unit are: an introduction to the internet (concept, history, operation), client/server systems, various application protocols based on client/server systems, an introduction to Linux, client/server system programming and security considerations.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of servers, clients and processes; illustrate different application protocols based on a client/server model (such as the meaning of http in a website address, POP/IMAP in email) and reconstruct a client/server model in Linux systems. As a result, they will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competences.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
LO1 Explore the concepts of servers, clients and processes, and the differences between PPID and PID
LO2 Analyse the communication processes between clients and servers in different application protocols
LO3 Create a client/server model in a Linux system utilising a range of protocols.
Essential Content
LO1 Explore the concepts of servers, clients and processes, and the differences between PPID and PID
Client-server relationship:
Introduction to the structure of Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) and the operation of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Basic concepts of client, server, process.
Introduction to the concept and function of Sockets Interface.
The communication process between servers and clients, e.g. echo server process.
Security:
Measures to ensure server security.
LO2 Analyse the communication processes between clients and servers in different application protocols
Internet services:
Typical internet applications.
The concept, function, communication process based on the client/server system, and applications of following protocols:
Domain Name System (DNS).
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Remote Interactive Computing: TELNET/ Secure Shell (SSH).
Email: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)/Post Office Protocol (POP)/Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME).
File Transfer and Access: File Transfer Protocol (FTP)/Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)/Network File System (NFS).
World Wide Web: Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
Network Management: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
Introduction to the Wireshark:
Function, history, install Wireshark, interface and operation.
LO3 Create a client/server model in a Linux system utilising a range of protocols
Introduction of Linux:
Introduction to the Linux system: concept, history, advantages and disadvantages.
Basic Linux command, the way to compile, the debugging method.
Programming of client/server program:
Socket programming in Linux, including socket operation, byte order operation, address formats conversion, socket option, name and address operation, secure coding.
Simple UDP client/server program including UDP-based socket API, UDP-based client, UDP-based server.
Simple TCP client/server program including TCP-based socket API, TCP-based client, TCP-based server.
Application programming, such as a DNS server/client system.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
| Pass | Merit | Distinction |
| LO1 Explore the concepts of servers, clients and processes, and the differences between PPID and PID |
LO1 and LO2 D1 Design a realistic model to realise a function in real life using an Application Layer protocol. |
|
| P1 Illustrate the communication processes between servers and clients.
P2 Compare parent process and child process, PID and PPID. |
M1 Recognise parent process and child process in a communication record (such as the records obtained by Wireshark) between servers and clients.
M2 Design a model composed of parent process and child process to realise a simple function. |
|
| LO2 Analyse the communication processes between clients and servers in different application protocols | ||
| P3 Examine the concepts and functions of several Application Layer protocols.
P4 Operate Wireshark software and recognise the different windows in the Wireshark interface. |
M3 Illustrate the
communication processes of Application Layer protocols based on the client/server system. M4 Analyse communication records captured from the internet, based on Application Layer protocols. |
|
| LO3 Create a client/server model in a Linux system utilising a range of protocols | ||
| P5 Create a UDP system in Linux.
P6 Create a TCP system in Linux. |
M5 Build a system with DNS and illustrate it with a flowchart.
M6 Implement the created DNS system in Linux. |
D2 Implement the system with some advanced functions, such as breakpoint resume. |
Recommended Resources
Textbooks
Comer, D. (2013) Internetworking with TCP/IP Vol. I Principles, Protocols and Architecture. 6th edn. Pearson.
Comer, D. (2000) Internetworking with TCP/IP, Vol. III: Client-Server Programming and Applications. Linux/Posix Sockets Version. 1st edn. Pearson.
Edwards, J. and Bramante, R. (2009) Networking Self-Teaching Guide: OSI, TCP/IP, LANs, MANs, WANs, Implementation, Management, and Maintenance. 1st edn. Wiley.
Johansen, A. (2015) LINUX: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide! 3rd edn. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Links
This unit links to the following related units:
Unit 2: Networking
Unit 9: Computer Systems Architecture
Unit 27: Transport Network Design
Unit 29: Network Security
Unit 39: Network Management
Unit 50: Operating Systems.
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