There are many types of servers in networking, each serving a specific purpose and catering to different needs and functionalities.
Some common types of servers include file servers, which store and manage files for users on a network. Web servers, which host websites and deliver web pages to users. Other types of servers include database servers, mail servers, and application servers, each designed to handle specific tasks and provide necessary services for networked systems.
These various types of servers are crucial components in networking as they form the backbone of digital connectivity. They enable seamless communication and data sharing among users on a network. Without servers, it would be impossible to store, access, and transfer files; host websites; send and receive emails; and handle specific applications.
Thus, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with a wide variety of server types if you are still new to this. Let’s explore the subjects in greater detail.
What are servers in networking?
Let’s first define servers precisely in the context of networking before moving on to the different kinds of servers.
A specialised computer or software application called a server is intended to handle network resources and offer services to other computers, referred to as clients. Servers, in contrast to standard desktop computers, are frequently run without a graphical user interface and are optimised for performance and dependability.
Serving as central nodes, servers respond to client enquiries and guarantee the efficient transfer of data throughout a network. They host client-accessible applications, store and retrieve data, and enable communication. A network’s functionality and efficiency are largely dependent on the kinds of servers that are set up to fulfil particular requirements.
To gain more insight into the definition of a server, read our article, which covers related topics. Now, let’s look at the various types of servers in the network.
9 Types of Servers: File Servers, Web Servers, and More
There are different kinds of servers. Indeed says there are at least nine different kinds, and each one is designed for a specific purpose in a network. Let’s look at some different kinds of servers now.
1. File Servers
The primary function of a file server is to store, organise, and make available data files on a network. Files can be stored, shared, and retrieved from these centralised repositories. File servers facilitate collaboration and easy access to structured information by letting users organise it in a predefined way.
File servers enable numerous users to access and edit shared documents, which is crucial for team collaboration in corporate settings. The security and integrity of data is ensured by these servers through the implementation of access controls and permissions.
2. Web Servers
The World Wide Web would not function without web servers, which house and transmit web pages to browsers. In response to HTTP requests, they provide either static or interactive content. Apache and Nginx are two examples of web servers that are vital to the responsiveness and accessibility of websites.
The user experience is strongly influenced by how well web servers perform. Quick page loading times are a direct result of dependable and fast web servers, which in turn increase user satisfaction. Electronic commerce, web apps, and content delivery networks (CDNs) all rely heavily on these servers.
Types of servers in network (Image by Networks Training)
3. Email Servers
In a network, email servers are responsible for the sending, receiving, and storing of emails. With the help of email protocols such as SMTP and IMAP, they make it easy for people to send and receive emails. Email servers store messages so users can access them whenever they want and guarantee their reliable delivery.
Included with most modern email servers are not only the standard email functions, but also advanced features like spam filtering, encryption, and integration with collaboration tools. These features improve the safety of communication and simplify company processes.
4. Database Servers
Rackspace takes customer support to a whole new level with its “Fanatical Support” approach. The company’s support teams are available around the clock, dedicated to addressing issues promptly and proactively. This commitment to exceptional support sets Rackspace apart in the competitive cloud services landscape.
5. Application Servers
Rackspace takes customer support to a whole new level with its “Fanatical Support” approach. The company’s support teams are available around the clock, dedicated to addressing issues promptly and proactively. This commitment to exceptional support sets Rackspace apart in the competitive cloud services landscape.
6. DNS Servers
Network traffic can be more easily routed with the help of Domain Name System (DNS) servers, which convert human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Their work is vital in making sure that people can remember domain names that lead to websites and services.
The ability to easily navigate the enormous online landscape is made possible by DNS servers, which are essential to the operation of the internet. Users’ ability to access websites and online services is directly affected by the reliability and speed of DNS servers.
7. Print Servers
Servers that handle printing on a network are known as print servers. They mediate communication between computers and printers, allowing for more streamlined printing for a wide variety of users and devices. Users are guaranteed a smooth printing experience with print servers that streamline print management.
Print servers are essential in business settings for controlling who has access to what, keeping track of print jobs, and managing printer queues. As a centralised solution for managing prints, these servers boost office productivity as a whole.
8. Proxy Servers
Proxy servers forward requests from clients to the internet as an intermediary. They boost network performance and user experience while improving security, privacy, and caching.
Organisations frequently use proxy servers to regulate and oversee employee internet usage. They can decrease bandwidth usage by caching frequently accessed content, filtering content, and blocking malicious websites. The enforcement of internet usage policies and the enhancement of network security rely heavily on proxy servers.
9. FTP Servers
Computers on the same network or connected via the internet can share files with one another using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers. The transfer of huge files, software updates, and other data between servers and clients relies heavily on them.
Transferring huge datasets is a common use case for FTP servers because they allow for the safe and efficient transfer of files. They provide a consistent way for users to transfer files, protecting sensitive information as it travels from one device to another.
Conclusion
When it comes to networking, servers are the unsung heroes who make connections and functions possible that we often take for granted.
There is a specific job for each type of server, which helps computer networks work smoothly. It is important to know what each server does in order to improve network performance, make it safer, and make sure that data flows smoothly across the internet.
