Grid Chemistry

System Architecture OverviewAkylbek Zhumabayev

Components and Connections

Web ClientWeb Client Web SiteWeb Site Web ServiceWeb Service

Grid Chemistry is an Internet Application based on Multitier Architecture where Web Client supports User Interface, Web Site performs interaction between users and Web Service proposes core functionality for the project calculations.

The system is originally developed on Microsoft Platform but works through open network protocols which means that each module can be independently extended or migrated to another platform.

All modules can run on the same machine, interact through intranet or work in Internet. Actually our architecture suggest combination of previous types of component connection.

Component 1: Web Client

Web ClientWeb Client

Connection with Web Site

Connection with Web SiteClient OSClient OS

Web Client Role is played by any industrial web browser which supports DHTML (XHTML + JavaScript): IE, Firefox, Safari, Opera etc.

Web Client can run on different operating systems and interacts with Web Site through HTTP connection. Anonymous users can go to project URL and browse public content (home page, news etc.). Registered users can login to private section of web site and work with project data. In this case connection will be supported in secure mode (HTTPS).

Component 2: Web SiteWeb SiteWeb Site

Connection with Web Service

Connection with Web ServiceConnection with

Web ClientConnection with

Web ClientWeb ServerWeb Server Database ServerDatabase Server

Server OSServer OS

Web Site: ASP.NET 2.0 application with AJAX extensions.Web Server: Internet Information Server (IIS) version 7.0.Database Server: SQL Server 2005.Server OS: Windows Server 2008 (Domain Controller).Authentication is supported by Active Directory (Groups).Authorization permissions are stored in the database.

Component 3: Web Service

Web ServiceWeb Service

Connection with Web Site

Connection with Web Site

Web ServerWeb Server External Application

External Application

Server OSServer OS

Web Service: ASP.NET 2.0 application.Web Server: Internet Information Server (IIS) version 7.0.External Application: Fortran program (command line or .NET).Server OS: Windows Server 2008.Authentication is supported by Active Directory (Groups).Authorization permissions are implemented inside program code.

Server OSServer OS

Connections

Web ClientWeb Client Web SiteWeb Site Web ServiceWeb Service

HTTP(S)HTTP(S) SOAPSOAP

Client OSClient OS

Firewall

Typically Web Client interacts with Web Site through Internet connection. To secure the channel VPN or SSL can be used (encrypted connection).

Web Site is located in DMZ behind firewall.Web Service can run on the same OS and interacts with Web Site through

SOAP protocol (over HTTP). Security can be supported with OS features, IPSec, SSL or .NET library WSE/WCF.

Server OSServer OS

Connections (alternative)

Web ClientWeb Client Web SiteWeb Site Web ServiceWeb Service

HTTP(S)HTTP(S) SOAPSOAP

Client OSClient OS

Firewall

In alternative connection Web Service can run on different machine behind second firewall. Thus we move Web Service from DMZ to intranet which improves its security.

Server OSServer OS

Firewall

Questions?