Server

DR.JAYASHREE.R
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
SRI RAMAKRISHNA COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCE
Server

 A server is a specialized computer or software system

designed to provide services, data, or resources to other
computers, known as clients, over a network.
 These services can range from delivering web pages and
email to storing and managing files or running
applications.
 These machines run on a client-server model, where
clients request specific services or resources, and the
server fulfills these requests.
 Servers are distinct from personal computers in their purpose and
capabilities.

 While personal computers are optimized for individual use and have a
user-friendly interface, servers are built for performance, reliability,
and scalability to handle multiple requests from numerous clients
simultaneously.
Server Component

 Together, server components are intended to offer clients functionality, resources,

and/or services
• Hardware: The dedicated server’s central processing unit (CPU) , memory , storage
device , network interfaces, and the server chassis are all included in this.

• Server OS: This operating system (OS) was created with a particular kind of
client/server environment in mind.

• Network Connectivity: Over a local area network (LAN) , wide area network
(WAN) , or the internet, server programs connect to the network architecture and
communicate with client devices. To offer redundancy and accommodate various
network setups, certain server form factors contain several network interfaces.
• Management and Monitoring Tools: Instruments for remote management
and performance monitoring are frequently included with servers.

• Server Software: This server software supports a particular use

case. Software for email servers, web servers, and database servers are a few
examples.

• High-Availability Features: High-availability(HAS) capabilities are included

on some servers to reduce downtime and guarantee continuous operation.
This involves having access to numerous storage systems, backup power
supply and network interfaces, and configuration management tools that
enable automatic failover and load balancing
Why are servers important?

• Data storage and accessibility: Servers provide a centralized

repository for storing vast amounts of data.

• This data can include everything from personal files and business records
to scientific research and entertainment content.

• Without servers, accessing this information from anywhere in the world

would be far more cumbersome and less reliable.

• Global connectivity: Servers enable global connectivity by hosting

websites, applications, and online services.

• When you access a website or use a mobile app, a server somewhere in

the world is delivering the content and processing your requests.

• This seamless access to information and services has revolutionized how

we work, shop, learn, and entertain ourselves.
• Collaboration and communication:

• These computing machines support collaborative work environments and

communication platforms.

• Whether it’s an organization using shared documents in the cloud or friends

connecting through social media, servers enable real-time interactions and
data exchange.

• Business operations:

• Servers are the backbone of business operations.

• They host email services, manage customer databases, process online

transactions, and store critical business data.

• Without servers, modern businesses would struggle to operate efficiently and

compete in the digital marketplace.
• Data security and privacy:

• Servers play a pivotal role in data security.

• They allow organizations to implement access controls, encryption, and data

backups to safeguard sensitive information.

• This is crucial in an era of increasing cyber threats and data breaches.

• Scalability:

• Servers are designed to scale both vertically and horizontally to

accommodate changing demands.

• This scalability ensures that websites and services can handle traffic spikes
during events like product launches or breaking news.

• It also allows businesses to grow without significant infrastructure changes.

• Resource consolidation:

• These platforms allow for the consolidation of resources.

• Virtualization technologies enable multiple virtual servers to run on a single

physical server, optimizing resource utilization and reducing hardware costs.

• Disaster recovery:

• Servers often include redundancy and backup mechanisms, ensuring that

data and services can be quickly restored in case of hardware failures or
disasters.

• This is crucial for minimizing downtime and data loss.

• Research and innovation:

• Servers are essential for research institutions and laboratories.

• They provide the computational power needed for simulations, data

analysis, and scientific computing, enabling groundbreaking discoveries
and advancements.

• Entertainment and streaming:

• Media servers deliver streaming content, including movies, music, and

online gaming.

• These servers provide uninterrupted entertainment experiences, reaching

millions of users simultaneously.
Types of servers

 Here are the main categories of servers based on their functions, usage, and
specialization, from web servers to authentication servers:
 Web servers

 Web servers are among the most common types and are designed to host websites.
They respond to HTTP requests from web browsers, delivering web pages, images,
videos, and other web content. Popular web server software includes Apache,
Nginx, and Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS).

 File servers
 File servers are dedicated to storing and sharing files within a network. They
provide centralized file storage and access control, making it easy for users to
collaborate and share documents. Examples include Windows File Server and
network-attached storage (NAS) devices.
 Database servers

 Database servers manage databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and

efficient querying. They are essential for applications relying on structured data
storage. Common database server software includes MySQL, PostgreSQL, and
Microsoft SQL Server.

 Email servers

 Email servers handle the sending, receiving, and storage of email messages.
They ensure reliable email communication and often include features like spam
filtering and virus scanning. Prominent email server solutions include Microsoft
Exchange and Postfix.
 Application servers

 Application servers provide the runtime environment for running applications

and software services. They process application logic and data retrieval.
Examples include Java Application Servers (e.g., Tomcat), .NET Application
Servers, and Node.js servers.

 Proxy servers

 Proxy servers act as intermediaries between clients and other servers. They can
serve various purposes, such as caching web content, load balancing, and
enhancing security. Notable types include reverse proxy servers and content
delivery network (CDN) servers.
 Print servers

 Print servers manage print requests from client computers to networked

printers. They queue print jobs, handle printer management, and ensure
efficient printing processes. Print server software is often integrated into
networked printer devices.

 DNS servers

 Domain name system (DNS) servers convert human-readable domain names

into IP addresses, facilitating internet navigation. They play a fundamental role
in internet infrastructure. Popular DNS server software includes BIND and
Microsoft DNS.
 Game servers

 Game servers host multiplayer online games, allowing players to connect,

interact, and compete in virtual worlds. They require low latency and high-
performance capabilities. Game server software varies by the game title and
platform.

 FTP servers

 File transfer protocol (FTP) servers facilitate the transfer of files between
computers over a network. They are commonly used for uploading and
downloading files. ProFTPD and FileZilla Server are examples of FTP server
software.
 Media servers

 Media servers store and distribute media content, including videos, music, and
live streams. They support content delivery to numerous clients
simultaneously. Streaming media servers like Wowza and Adobe Media Server
are prevalent in this category.

 Authentication servers

 Authentication servers validate user identities and provide access control to

network resources. They are essential for securing sensitive data and systems.
Examples include remote authentication dial-in user service (RADIUS) servers.