In a client-server network, what role does the client typically play?

In a client-server network, the primary role of the client is to request resources or services from servers. Clients are typically devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones that access shared resources on a network. They initiate requests for data, applications, or various services, which are then fulfilled by the server.

This model operates under a clear distinction between clients and servers; the clients depend on the server to provide the resources they need, such as files, web pages, or database access. The server, which is designed to manage these resources, handles multiple requests from different clients simultaneously.

Other options represent functions that are typically associated with other components of the network. For instance, data storage could be a feature of a server but is not a primary role of the client. Similarly, maintaining network infrastructure is generally the responsibility of network administrators or dedicated hardware like routers and switches, rather than the clients themselves. Routing data packets is a task performed by networking devices (such as routers) that manage traffic across the network, and is not a function assigned to clients. Thus, the role of the client is clearly centered on requesting resources and services provided by servers.