Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

1. Learn the Server Functions

2. Learn how to Configure Server

What is Server?

A server is a software or hardware device that accepts and responds to requests made over a network.
The device that makes the request, and receives a response from the server, is called a client. On the
Internet, the term "server" commonly refers to the computer system which receives a request for a web
document, and sends the requested information to the client.

What are they used for?

Servers are used to manage network resources. For example, a user may set up a server to control
access to a network, send/receive e-mail, manage print jobs, or host a website. They are also proficient
at performing intense calculations. Some servers are committed to a specific task, often referred to as
dedicated. However, many servers today are shared servers which can take on the responsibility of e-
mail, DNS, FTP, and even multiple websites in the case of a web server.

Why are servers always on?

Because they are commonly used to deliver services that are constantly required, most servers are
never turned off. Consequently, when servers fail, they can cause the network users and company many
problems. To alleviate these issues, servers are commonly set up to be fault tolerant.
Types of Servers

The following list contains links to various server types.

1. Application server

It is a framework, an environment where applications can run, no matter what they are or what
functions they perform. An application server can be used to develop and run web-based applications.
There are many different types of application servers, including Java, PHP, and .NET Framework
application servers.

Application servers provide many advantages. They provide data and code integrity by allowing for a
more centralized approach to updates and upgrades to applications. They provide security by
centralizing the management of data access and the authentication process. Performance can be
improved for heavy usage applications by limiting network traffic. All the advantages and benefits can
result in a lower TCO (total cost of ownership).

2. Blade server

When referring to a network router, switch, server, or another network device, a blade (also known as
an expansion module) is a hardware component that can be installed into a chassis. It allows for
additional functionality, much like an expansion card in a computer, but often at a much bigger scale.
For example, a router or switch with blade support allows complete customization, if more fiber lines
are needed, additional fiber blades can be added.

3. Cloud server

When referring to a network router, switch, server, or another network device, a blade (also known as
an expansion module) is a hardware component that can be installed into a chassis. It allows for
additional functionality, much like an expansion card in a computer, but often at a much bigger scale.
For example, a router or switch with blade support allows complete customization, if more fiber lines
are needed, additional fiber blades can be added.

4. Database server

A database server is a computer system that provides other computers with services to accessing and
retrieving data from a database. Access to the database server may occur via a "front end" running
locally a user's machine (e.g., phpMyAdmin), or "back end" running on the database server itself,
accessed by remote shell. After the information in the database is retrieved, it is outputted to the user
requesting the data.
5. Dedicated server

Server that is hosted by a company and only allows one company to lease and access it is called a
dedicated server. It is "dedicated" to the one client and is not shared with any other clients. Dedicated
servers usually allow the client to choose what operating system is installed on it and what type of
hardware. In some cases, as an add-on service, the hosting company provides administration services
for the client, freeing the client from having to worry about the server.

6. Domain name service

Short for Domain Name System, a DNS is a service that receives a request containing a domain name
hostname and responds with the corresponding IP address. The first DNS was designed and
implemented by Paul Mockapetris and Jon Postel in 1983.

7. File server

A file server is a computer on a network that is used to provide users on a network with access to files.

8. Mail server

A remote or central computer that holds electronic mail (e-mail) messages for clients on a network is
called a mail server. A mail server is similar to the post office, where mail is stored and sorted before
being sent to its final destination. When the user requests his or her e-mail, contact is established with
the mail server, which then delivers all stored to the client's computer.

9. Print server

Computer or standalone device is responsible for managing one or more printers on a network. Because
of the load required for a print job, a print server does not need to be a fast computer. The picture is an
example of a wireless standalone print server from Cisco.

10. Proxy server

A proxy is a computer server or program that's part of the gateway server or another computer that
separates a local network from outside networks. A proxy server will cache all pages accessed through
the network allowing users who may want to visit that same page to load it faster and reduce the
networks bandwidth. When a page is accessed that is not in the proxy server's cache, the proxy server
accesses the page using its own IP address. Then it caches that page and forwards it to the user.

11. Standalone server

Short for Serial Attached SCSI, SAS is a serial transmission replacement for the parallel SCSI. SAS is an
improvement of traditional SCSI that supports a maximum of 128 simultaneous devices at transmission
speeds of 3.0 Gb/s. SAS devices also have two data ports and can communicate with both SCSI and
SATA.

12. Web server

Computer or collection of computers used to deliver web pages and other content to multiple users.

How do other computers connect to a server?

With a local network, the server connects to a router or switch that all other computers on the network
use. Once connected to the network, other computers can access that server and its features. For
example, with a web server, a user could connect to the server to view a website, search, and
communicate with other users on the network.

An Internet server works the same way as a local network server, but on a much larger scale. The server
is assigned an IP address by InterNIC, or by web host.

Usually, users connect to a server using its domain name, which is registered with a domain name
registrar. When users connect to the domain name (such as "computerhope.com"), the name is
automatically translated to the server's IP address by a DNS resolver.

The domain name makes it easier for users to connect to the server, because the name is easier to
remember than an IP address. Also, domain names enable the server operator to change the IP address
of the server without disrupting the way that users access the server. The domain name can always
remain the same, even if the IP address changes.

Where are servers stored?

In a business or corporate environment, a server and other network equipment are often stored in a
closet or glass house. These areas help isolate sensitive computers and equipment from people who
should not have access to them.

Servers that are remote or not hosted on-site are located in a data center. With these types of servers,
the hardware is managed by another company and configured remotely by you or your company.
Can my computer be a server?

Yes. Any computer, even a home desktop or laptop computer, can act as a server with the right
software. For example, you could install an FTP server program on your computer to share files between
other users on your network.

Although it is possible to have your home computer act as a server, keep the following ideas in mind.

Your computer and the related server software must always be running to be accessible.

When your computer is acting as a server and being used by others, its resources (e.g., processing and
bandwidth) will be taken away from what you have available to do other things.

Connecting a computer to a network and the Internet can open up your computer to new types of
attacks.

If the service you're providing becomes popular, a typical computer may not have the necessary
resources to handle all of the requests