DBMS Architecture: 1-Tier, 2-Tier, 3-Tier Architecture

Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Ankit Kochar

In this article, we’ll explore the concept of database system architecture and delve into various types of Database Management System (DBMS) architectures. Additionally, we’ll examine the distinctions between two-tier and three-tier architectures, as well as the topic of deadlocks in DBMS.

What is Database System Architecture?

Database System Architecture encompasses the comprehensive blueprint and structure of a Database Management System (DBMS), encompassing hardware, software, data, and human resources. It outlines the methodology by which data is stored, manipulated, and retrieved from the database. This framework encompasses both the tangible and conceptual aspects of database design, along with the interconnections among various system elements.

There are various types of database architecture, such as single-tier, two-tier, three-tier, and n-tier architecture. The choice of architecture depends on factors such as the size of the database, the number of users, the type of applications that will be accessing the database, and the level of security and scalability required.

The architecture of the database can be viewed as a logical model or a physical model –

Logical model: This model describes the data and relationships within the database in terms of entities, attributes, and relationships. It provides a high-level view of the data and the relationships between data elements and is typically represented using an entity-relationship diagram (ERD).

Physical model: This model describes the physical design and implementation of the database. It includes information about the storage structures, indexes, and access paths used to store and retrieve data. The physical model also includes details about the hardware and software components used to support the database.

Both the logical and physical models of a database are important to consider when designing a database management system. The logical model is used to determine the structure of the data and the relationships between data elements, while the physical model is used to determine how the data will be physically stored and retrieved.

Database architecture in RDBMS is based on the relational model, which uses tables to store and manage data. The database architecture of an RDBMS consists of the following components:

1. Database: A collection of related data stored in tables.
2. Tables: A collection of records (rows) and columns (attributes) that represent the data in the database.
3. Attributes: The columns of a table that represent specific characteristics or properties of the data.
4. Records: The rows of a table that represent individual data elements, and are made up of values for each of the attributes.
5. Primary Key: Each record in a table has a unique identifier.
6. Foreign Key: A key that links records in one table to records in another table, representing a relationship between the data.
7. Indexes: Structures used to speed up data retrieval by allowing the database to quickly locate specific records in a table.
8. Query language: A language used to retrieve data from the database, such as SQL (Structured Query Language).
9. Transaction management: A component that ensures data consistency and reliability by managing changes to the database as a single unit of work.

In DBMS architecture, in RDBMS, the database and its components are stored on disk and managed by the RDBMS software, which provides facilities for adding, updating, and deleting data, as well as searching and retrieving data based on specific conditions.

Types of DBMS Architecture

Let’s have a look at the most common types of DBMS architectures:

• 1 Tier Architecture (Single Tier Architecture)
• 2 Tier Architecture
• 3 Tier Architecture

1 Tier Architecture

The simplest form of DBMS architecture is the 1-tier DBMS design, where all DBMS components reside on a single server or platform, allowing direct access to the database by end users. This direct connection results in rapid response times, making it a popular choice among programmers seeking to enhance local applications.

Any edits made by the client are reflected directly in the database in this structure, and all processing is done on a single server. Furthermore, no network connection is required to execute database tasks. Another name for this database management system is the local database system.

A 1 tier architecture is suitable when:

• The information is not updated frequently.
• The database system is not being visited by many users.
• We need a straightforward and simple means to edit or access the database for application development.

Advantages of 1 Tier Architecture

Below are a few advantages of 1 tier architecture:-

• Simplicity: Single-tier architecture is simple to set up and maintain, as all components are on a single machine.
• Low Cost: Single-tier architecture does not require additional hardware or software, making it a cost-effective solution for small or personal databases.
• Easy Deployment: Single-tier architecture can be deployed quickly and easily, making it a good choice for small projects.

2 Tier Architecture

2 tier architecture in DBMS refers to a client-server architecture where the user interface and the application logic are separated into two separate components. The client component is typically the user interface and the server component is responsible for handling the data and business logic. In this architecture, the client component communicates directly with the server component to request data and perform actions.

2 Tier Architecture Examples

A few 2 Tier Architecture examples are:-

• File-Server Architecture: A client accesses a shared file server for data storage and retrieval.

• Client-Server Architecture: A client communicates directly with a database server for data storage and retrieval.

• Terminal Services Architecture: A client communicates directly with a terminal server, which then communicates with a database server for data storage and retrieval.

• Web-Based Architecture: A web browser communicates directly with a web server, which communicates with a database server for data storage and retrieval.

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Architecture: A client communicates directly with a database server using remote procedure calls for data storage and retrieval.

  Advantages of 2 Tier Architecture in DBMS

  Below are a few advantages of 2 tier architecture in DBMS:-

• Simplicity: Two-tier architecture is simple and easy to understand, as it involves only two components: the client and the server.

• Cost Effective: Two-tier architecture is less expensive to implement and maintain compared to three-tier or multi-tier architecture.

• Ease of deployment: The client software can be deployed on individual workstations, making it easier to manage and update.

• Direct Access to Database: The client has direct access to the database, allowing for fast data retrieval and update.

• Client-side Processing: Some processing can be done on the client side, reducing the load on the server and improving performance.

• Scalability: The architecture can be easily scaled by adding more clients or upgrading the server hardware.

• Independence: The client and server can be developed and deployed independently, which can improve the overall development process.

3-Tier Architecture

Another layer exists between the client and server in the 3-Tier architecture. The client cannot communicate directly with the server with this design.
On the client side, the program communicates with an application server, which then communicates with the database system.
Beyond the application server, the end-user has no knowledge of the database’s existence. Aside from the application, the database has no knowledge of any other users.
In the event of an extensive web application, the 3-tier design is used.

Three-Level Architecture of DBMS

3-tier architecture divides the complete system into three levels as shown below:

• Physical Level: Information about the location of database objects in the data store is preserved at the physical level. Several DBMS users are unaware of where these objects are located. In simpleton’s words, the physical level of a database specifies how data is kept in secondary storage devices such as discs and tapes.
• Conceptual Level: Multiple database tables represent data at the conceptual level. It determines what type of data will be stored in the database and is also known as the logical schema.
• External Level: An external level defines a view of the data in terms of conceptual level tables. Each external level view is designed to meet the demands of a specific user group.

As a result, separate views can be created for different users. The external level’s primary focus is data abstraction.

Advantages of 3-Tier Architecture

Below are a few advantages of 2-tier architecture:-

• Scalability: The architecture can be easily scaled by adding more servers or upgrading existing servers, improving performance, and ensuring high availability.
• Increased Security: The three-tier architecture provides a clear separation of responsibilities, which makes it easier to secure data and control access to the database.
• Improved Maintenance: The architecture makes it easier to maintain and upgrade the system, as changes can be made to one tier without affecting the others.
• Reusability: The business logic can be centralized in the application tier, making it easier to reuse and share across different applications.

Difference between Two Tier and Three Tier Architecture

The key difference between two tier and three tier architecture are:

• Number of Layers: 2-tier architecture has two layers (client and server), while 3-tier architecture has three layers (presentation, application, and database).
• Middleware: 2-tier architecture does not have a separate middleware component, while 3-tier architecture includes an application layer as a middleware component between the client and the server.
• Scalability: 2-tier architecture is less scalable than 3-tier architecture because the application server in 3-tier architecture can handle a larger number of clients and complex processing.
• Maintenance: 2-tier architecture is simpler to maintain than 3-tier architecture as it has fewer components, but it can also become a bottleneck as the number of clients and the complexity of the system increase.
• Security: 3-tier architecture provides better security as the middleware component can enforce security policies and hide sensitive information from the client.

In summary, 3-tier architecture is more flexible, scalable, and secure than 2-tier architecture, but it is also more complex and requires more maintenance. The choice between 2-tier and 3-tier architecture depends on the specific requirements of the project.

Deadlock in DBMS

In a Database Management System (DBMS), a deadlock is a scenario in which two or more transactions are in a state of waiting for each other to release their respective locks, leading to a complete halt in the system’s progress. Deadlocks arise when several transactions have acquired locks on resources and are awaiting the release of locks by other transactions. This situation forms a circular dependency, as each transaction is essentially waiting for a resource currently held by another transaction.

For example, consider two transactions, T1 and T2, each requiring two resources, R1 and R2. If T1 acquires locks on R1 and R2, and T2 acquires locks on R2 and R1, a deadlock will occur as each transaction is waiting for the other to release its lock on R2.

To prevent deadlocks, DBMSs use various algorithms, such as the Wait-Die and Wound-Wait algorithms, to detect and resolve deadlocks. These algorithms monitor the state of the transactions and release locks when necessary to avoid deadlocks. Deadlocks can also be prevented by using timeouts, where a transaction is automatically rolled back after a specified time if it has not been able to acquire all required locks.

Conclusion
DBMS architecture, whether 1-tier, 2-tier, or 3-tier, plays a pivotal role in determining how a database management system is structured and accessed. Each architecture has its own advantages and use cases, catering to different scenarios and requirements. Understanding these architectures is essential for designing efficient and scalable database systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DBMS Architecture: 1-Tier, 2-Tier, 3-Tier Architecture:

Here are some of the FAQs related to DBMS Architecture: 1-Tier, 2-Tier, 3-Tier Architecture:

1. When should I choose 1-tier architecture?
1-tier architecture is appropriate for standalone applications with a single user, such as personal databases or simple desktop applications.

2. When should I choose 2-tier architecture?
2-tier architecture is suitable for client-server applications where multiple users need access to the same database. It offers better scalability and security than 1-tier architecture.

3. When should I choose 3-tier architecture?
3-tier architecture is ideal for complex applications with distributed components, multiple users, and a need for scalability and security. It’s commonly used in web applications and enterprise systems.

4. What challenges can arise in multi-tier architectures like 3-tier?
Challenges in multi-tier architectures include increased complexity, potential latency between layers, and the need for efficient communication between components. Proper design and maintenance are crucial.

5. Can I switch between DBMS architectures as my application evolves?
Switching between architectures can be challenging and may require significant changes to your application. It’s best to consider the scalability and growth requirements from the outset and choose the architecture that aligns with your long-term goals.