Which component set is typically associated with a 3-tier architecture?

• A. Server, database, and an access point
• B. Client, cloud, and API gateway
• C. Laptop, mobile app, and wearable device
• D. Data warehouse, analytics engine, and report server

Answer: (A)

A three-tier architecture is commonly described as three distinct layers that work together: a server-side component that runs the application logic, a data layer that stores and retrieves information, and a network or access layer that enables clients to reach those resources. The combination of server, database, and an access point fits this view because the server handles the business logic, the database stores data, and the access point represents the network access pathway that lets clients connect to both the server and the database over a network. This paints a clear picture of the three separate responsibilities involved in the architecture.

The other options describe setups that don’t align as cleanly with the classic three-tier breakdown. One emphasizes client, cloud, and an API gateway, which reflects a service-oriented or cloud-centric pattern rather than the traditional three-layer stack. Another lists devices like a laptop and wearable, which are end-user devices, not architectural layers. The last option describes data warehousing and analytics components, which is more about BI architecture than core application-tier architecture.