How to Remote Activation

The .NET Remoting Framework offers support for both Server Activation and Client Activation of remote objects. Prior to accessing an object instance of a Remotable type, it is essential to undergo an Activation Process, which involves the creation and initialization of the object. This activation process ensures that the remote object is instantiated and prepared for interaction, providing the necessary foundation for seamless communication and remote access within the remoting environment.

There are commonly two types of activation modes.

1. Server Activation mode
2. Client Activation mode

Server Activation mode is typically employed when a remote object does not necessitate the preservation of any state between method calls. In this mode, objects are instantiated on the server side, and the server assumes responsibility for managing their lifetime. On the other hand, in Client Activation mode, objects are created from the client side, allowing the client to govern the lifespan of the remote object through a lease-based system specifically designed for this purpose. This distinction in activation modes enables flexibility and control over the lifecycle management of remote objects based on the specific requirements of the application.

SingleCall Objects and Singleton Objects

SingleCall objects and Singleton objects are both associated with Server Activation mode. In the case of SingleCall objects, the server creates a new instance for each method call, executes the method, and subsequently destroys the object. Conversely, in Singleton mode, only a single object is created and maintained throughout the lifetime of the server. Singleton objects are useful for scenarios where information needs to be shared among multiple clients, providing a centralized and shared resource that can be accessed and utilized by various client instances.

The fundamental difference between Client Activated and Server Activated Objects lies in their creation process. While a Client-Activated Object is instantiated directly by the client, a Server-Activated Object is not created immediately upon client instantiation. Instead, it is dynamically created as the need arises, based on client requests and interactions. This dynamic creation approach allows for efficient resource utilization and enhances scalability, as Server-Activated Objects are only instantiated when necessary, reducing unnecessary overhead and optimizing the overall performance of the remoting system.