A server is a computer program or device that performs a service for another computer program and its user, also known as the client. In a data centre, the physical computer on which a server program runs is commonly referred to as a server. That machine could be a dedicated server or used for other purposes.
In a computer network, servers are very important because they make it possible for programs and users to talk to each other. To put it more simply, the server is what runs the programs and websites that we use every day.
So let’s take a closer look to discover more about servers and their functions in our daily digital lives.
What is the function of the server?
A computer network’s servers do many important things, but the main ones have to do with managing and distributing resources. People on the network can access these resources, such as files, data, and programs stored on the server.
Along with making sure the network works well, servers also do things like security, backup, and remote access. In general, servers do the following:
- Data Storage and Retrieval: Servers act as centralised repositories for storing and managing data. They enable storage and retrieval of files, databases, and other digital assets.
- Facilitating Communication: Servers facilitate communication among networked devices. Some examples of that are managing email traffic, hosting websites, supporting instant messaging services, and enabling video conferencing.
- Resource Sharing: Servers enable resource sharing among network users by hosting shared applications, printers, and files. This enhances collaboration and productivity within organisations.
- Authentication and Security: Servers manage user authentication and authorisation, ensuring secure access to resources based on predefined permissions and security policies.
In addition, servers also play a crucial role in data backup and recovery. They provide a centralised location for storing and protecting important files and information, minimising the risk of data loss. Moreover, servers can implement various security measures, such as firewalls and encryption, to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorised access or cyber threats.
How Does a Server Work?
A device must be set up to listen for requests from clients over a network connection in order to work as a server. This functionality can be built into the operating system as a role or an installed app, or it can be a mix of the two.
A client sends a request over the network to a server when it needs information or a service. This request is sent to the server, which responds with the right information. Call-and-response modelling, which is another name for this model, shows how clients and servers talk to each other.
As part of a single request and response, a server will often do a number of other tasks, such as checking the requestor’s identity, making sure the client has permission to access the data or resources asked for, and formatting or returning the response in the right way.
For example, Microsoft’s Windows Server operating system lets you listen for client requests and respond to them. The types of client requests that the server can handle also grow as more roles or services are installed. In a different example, an Apache web server responds to requests from web browsers through Apache, a separate program that is installed on top of an operating system.
What Makes a Server differ from a Personal Computer?
While servers and personal computers share similarities in terms of hardware components, their primary functions and configurations differ significantly. The key distinctions include:
- Function: Servers are made to give services and resources to many clients over a network, while personal computers are made for single users to do things like surf the web, edit documents, and entertainment.
- Hardware Configuration: Servers usually have more durable hardware, like more memory, higher-capacity storage, and powerful processors that can handle requests from multiple clients at the same time.
- Operating System: Servers usually use operating systems that are designed to do server-specific tasks. Some examples of such operating systems are Windows Server, Linux distributions, or Unix variants. Personal computers, on the other hand, usually use operating systems that are designed for users, like Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop distributions.
These specialised operating systems for servers are designed to prioritise stability, security, and scalability, allowing them to handle heavy workloads and manage network resources effectively. Additionally, servers often have multiple power supplies and cooling systems to assure uninterrupted operation and prevent downtime in critical environments.
What is A Server in Networking (Image by Youtube)
What are The Main Components of a Server
The components of a server system are the same as those of a personal computer. A central processing unit (CPU), random-access memory (RAM), solid-state or hard drives for storage, and network interfaces for network connectivity are some of these components.
Some of the key server components are:
- Processor (CPU): responsible for executing instructions and processing data.
- Memory (RAM): Provides temporary storage for data and instructions being actively processed.
- Storage: Includes hard disc drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), or network-attached storage (NAS) for storing data and applications.
- Network Interface Card (NIC): Facilitates network communication by connecting the server to the network infrastructure.
- Power Supply: Provides electrical power to the server components.
- Cooling System: Running a complex computation 24/7 can cause servers to generate excessive heat. A cooling system, which can be custom-made, is an important component in ensuring server uptime.
However, it is important to note that servers typically have more powerful and advanced versions of these components than personal computers. This is because servers must handle multiple requests simultaneously and perform complex calculations.
Servers may also include specialised hardware, such as a redundant array of independent discs (RAID). RAID allows server computers to control data redundancy and backup and has remote management capabilities for easy administration and troubleshooting.
How to Choose an Ideal Server for Your Business
When selecting the best server for your business, you must consider factors such as your company’s specific needs and requirements.
This includes determining the number of users, the types of applications and software that will run on the server, and your company’s projected future growth. Several things that your business needs to consider when choosing a server are:
- Workload Requirements: Assess the anticipated workload and determine the necessary computing resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage capacity.
- Scalability: Choose a server that can accommodate future growth and expansion of your business operations.
- Reliability and Redundancy: Opt for servers with built-in redundancy features, such as redundant power supplies and RAID configurations, to minimise downtime and ensure data integrity.
- Budget Considerations: Balance performance requirements with budget constraints to select a cost-effective server solution.
- Support and Maintenance: Consider the availability of technical support and maintenance services from the server vendor or third-party providers.
Consider the level of technical expertise required to maintain and troubleshoot the server, as well as the cost of ongoing support contracts. Additionally, evaluate the server vendor’s reputation for customer service and responsiveness to ensure timely assistance when needed.
Conclusion
So now you understand what a server is and how it operates on a computer network. Servers are a critical component of today’s global Internet network. A combination of hardware and software that runs your application, website, and smartphone ran smoothly.
