Transportation Operations LINCS Practice Exam

What type of devices are considered clients in a network?

1. Large computers and servers

2. Workstations only

3. Personal computers and smartphones

4. Mainframe computers

The correct answer is: Personal computers and smartphones

In the context of a network, clients are typically devices that access the services provided by servers. Personal computers and smartphones are prime examples of client devices because they connect to a network to utilize shared resources such as the internet, applications, and file storage. These devices operate under the client-server model, where the client requests services or resources, and the server responds to those requests. The characteristic of personal computers and smartphones being widely used for accessing network resources makes them quintessential clients. They are designed to interact with the network, providing an interface for end-users to engage with applications and communicate with other devices. In contrast, large computers and servers primarily serve as the backbone of a network rather than as client devices. Workstations are more specialized types of computers, often used in professional settings, but they may still fall under the broader category of clients depending on their function within the network. Mainframe computers typically handle processing large volumes of data and are less commonly thought of as clients, as they usually serve a different role within the computer network architecture.