Communication Between Desktop App and a Server

Question

1.I know that web applications communicate over HTTP/HTTPS.
But how does a Desktop App communicate with a server?
And another question (other topic):
2. Do you think that a school network should have a based and well structured network architecture (3 tier network architecture for example)? If not, what would be good? Just computers connected to a single switch that is connected to a single router?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Desktop apps literally have the server address info and communicate with it through sockets like anything else. It all depends on how the server is set up and how you set the app up to communicate with it.
That'd be a horrible idea for anything bigger than a small business. Especially because of the potential PII being leaked. Schools, like all other businesses, have and mdf and depending on size, multiple idf's that hold patch panels, switches, modems, and all the cabling. They may have a dmz so regular folks can have access to a network, just not the internal one. Not to mention the amount of computers, phones, and any other wired device through the building with all of those home runs. There are just so many ways to set up larger and more complicated networks but you really should take a look for yourself. It can be a bit more complicated than a single switch to a single router.

Answer 2

With a single switch it's a lot easier for a person with bad intentions to access your network. We also have firewalls, cradle points, access points to worry about. The less protected a proffessinal network is, the more likley all of theur customer info, business info, and even payroll info can be accessed.
mdf is the main room (or closet) that the main connection to the demarc is located. from the mdf, there may be runs to several idfs that make network managment more simple over larger areas in the same network. So yes, basically like a control room.

Answer 3

Slick, cool, Thanks! :)

Answer 4

Slick, thank you for your answer.
In order to clarify some things:
1. How can PII get leaked by this situation (single switch and router), as you said.. ?
2. Fix me if I'm wrong:
MDF is basically the piece that connects the LAN to the WAN and connects IDF's to each other (just like a "control room").
It's mostly used in large buildings/facilities in order to supply internet connection in an ordered way.

Answer 5

Slick,
I learned a bit more about MDFs and IDFs.
So far I understand that the MDF contains a Patch Panel, Switch, Router and some servers (if needed).
I also understood that all of the latter are placed and ordered on a Rack (19'') and also learned about the U measurement (1 U = 1.75'').
1. I don't understand what's the purpose of the Patch Panel and how does it connect things. I'd like to get an explanation...
2. I'd also like a walk through of the way that data go since they get from the WAN to the router and from there on... (through the Patch panel, switch, and more devices if there are more..).
In simple words, Where does the data go since it reaches the building..?
3. what do IDFs have? just a switch?

Answer 6

Patch panels are for organization. They are mounted either in a rack or on the wall usually. It is easier to run a cable and punch down on a patch panel and then use a patch cable to go from the panel to the switch. It allows for easy labeling and you wont need to mess with the run, you probably only need to reterminate the patch cable if you have issues.
And internet works the same either way. It's all just copper and fiber optic cable. You access a site on your computer, you ask your router and the router communicates with the site's server and sends the webpage to your computer through the router. All lines lead to your isp modem eventually. You should study internet packets and what they consist of, there are layers of info that hold address information and data.
Depending on size idfs can have a switch, their own patch panel, ups, and really anything else it needs. Not usually the main pieces of equipment though, those are usually housed u0in the mdf.