SERVER

What is a server?
Server is a computer or system or computer system that fulfills a certain purpose.
The purpose is to serve, provide, or give information to other computers, also known as clients,
over a network.
How does it work?
Client sends a request into the server then the server provides the information.
That’s how client and server communicate, this process is called the request and response model
or call and response model.
Types of Servers
Web server : An open-source web server is used for accessing the world wide web through public
domain software. These servers connect stored information from an internet website to your own
computer. Web servers store information for the internet that is retrieved via "HTTP" code and sent to
your web browser.
Proxy server : Proxy servers act as a bridge between a host server and a client server. A proxy sends data
from a website to your computer IP address after it passes through the proxy's server. This practice adds a
layer of security since the information is requested then transferred from the source to the proxy server
and never directly from a client to another user.
File transfer protocol (FTP) server : FTP servers are used to relocate files from one computer to
another. Uploaded files move from your computer to the server while downloaded files are extracted from
the server onto your device. File transfer protocol also refers to the method of using a server to connect
one computer to another in order to share data safely.
Application server : These servers connect clients to software applications through virtual server
connections. This allows users to bypass downloading data to their own hardware in order to access
applications.
File server : A file server stores data files for multiple users. They allow for faster data retrieval and
saving or writing files to a computer. This is a basic type of server used commonly by organizations
where lots of users need access to files that are more conveniently and safely stored on a server than a
personal computer.
Database server : Database servers function as large storage spaces that organizations use and access to
run multiple programs to meet their needs. A database server can run independently of any database
architecture.
Mail server : A mail server stores and delivers mail for clients through email service platforms. Because
mail servers are set up to continually connect to a network, individual users can access their email without
running any systems through their own devices.
Print server : A print server connects remotely to local computers to print through a network. These
servers give businesses the ability to use a single printer to serve an entire department.
Domain name system (DNS) server : These servers transform readable computer domain names into
computer language IP addresses. The DNS server takes search data from a user and finds the requested
address to deliver to the client device.
Collaboration server : When work needs to be shared across multiple users, a collaboration server
makes it easy to connect. These servers allow you to share and store files, applications and other large
amounts of data.
Gaming server : Large gaming networks use servers to connect users from around the world. These
servers host multi-player online games.
Monitoring and management server : Monitoring and management servers function in several
capacities. First, they record and track digital transactions and receive user requests. Others simply
monitor and don't actively participate in user operations. Monitoring servers are responsive to network
administrators who survey network health to check for threats or bugs in the system.
Server Structures
refer to the architectural designs and configurations of computer servers that are used to host and manage
various services, applications, and data.
Example of Server Structures
Client-Server Model: This is the most common server structure where clients (such as computers or
mobile devices) request services or resources from a central server. The server responds to these requests
and provides the necessary data or functionality.
Peer-to-Peer Model: In this structure, all devices in the network act both as clients and servers. Each
device can request and provide resources directly to other devices without relying on a central server. This
model is commonly used for file sharing and decentralized applications.
Cluster Model: A cluster is a group of interconnected servers that work together to provide high
availability and scalability. They share the workload and can take over if one server fails, ensuring
continuous service. Clusters are often used for high-performance computing and large-scale applications.
Virtualized Model: This structure involves running multiple virtual servers on a single physical server.
Each virtual server operates independently, allowing for efficient resource utilization and easier
management. Virtualization is widely used in cloud computing environments.
Distributed Model: In a distributed server structure, servers are geographically dispersed and
interconnected. They work together to provide services and share resources, enabling better performance
and fault tolerance. This model is often used in large-scale systems where data needs to be distributed
across multiple locations.
Hierarchical Model: This structure involves organizing servers in a hierarchical manner, where higher-
level servers control and manage lower-level servers. It provides a centralized management approach and
is commonly used in enterprise networks.
Grid Computing Model: Grid computing involves connecting multiple servers or computing resources
to form a grid-like infrastructure. It enables the sharing of computing power and resources across different
organizations or institutions, allowing for collaborative and resource-intensive tasks.
Fog Computing Model: Fog computing extends cloud computing by bringing computation and storage
closer to the edge of the network. It aims to reduce latency and improve efficiency by processing data
locally on edge devices or nearby servers, rather than sending it to a distant cloud server.
Edge Computing Model: Edge computing is similar to fog computing, but it focuses on processing data
at the edge of the network, typically on IoT devices or gateways. It enables real-time data processing and
reduces the need for sending data to centralized servers, making it ideal for latency-sensitive applications.
Microservices Architecture: Microservices architecture is a software development approach where
applications are built as a collection of small, independent services. Each service runs its own server and
communicates with others through APIs. This structure allows for scalability, flexibility, and easier
maintenance of complex applications.
Server Operating System (Server OS)
is an advanced operating system designed to run on servers. It has the necessary features and subsystems
to operate in a client-server architecture and serve clients' requests.
Examples of widely used Server OS
Linux Server Distributions: are highly popular for server environments due to their stability, security,
and open-source nature.
Examples: Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Debian.
Windows Server: Microsoft's Windows Server operating system is widely used in enterprise
environments, providing services like Active Directory, file sharing, and web services.
Examples: Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016.
VMware ESXi: is a leading hypervisor used for server virtualization, allowing multiple virtual machines
to run on a single physical server.
Example: VMware ESXi.
Docker (Containerization): Docker is a platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in
containers. Containerization is a popular approach for deploying and managing applications in various
server environments.
FreeBSD: is a Unix-like operating system known for its performance, security, and scalability. It is often
used in networking and web hosting environments.
Key Component of a Server
Central Processing Unit (CPU): CPU is the brain of the server, responsible for executing instructions
and performing calculations. Servers often have powerful multi-core processors to handle concurrent
tasks efficiently.
Random Access Memory (RAM): is used by the server to store data and instructions that are actively
being used or processed.
Storage: storage to store the operating system, applications, and data.
Motherboard: is the main circuit board that connects and facilitates communication between various
components of the server, such as the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals.
Network Interface Card (NIC): Servers need to be connected to a network to provide services to other
devices. A NIC allows the server to communicate with other devices over the network, either through
wired (Ethernet) or wireless connections.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): converts electrical power from an outlet into a form that the server's
components can use.
Cooling System: Servers generate heat during operation, and a cooling system (fans, heat sinks, or liquid
cooling) is essential to prevent overheating and ensure the stable performance of the server components.
Operating System (OS): Servers run specialized operating systems designed for managing network
resources and providing services.
Key Features of Servers
Performance: Servers are designed for high-performance computing to handle demanding tasks and
applications, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy workloads.
Reliability: Servers prioritize reliability to minimize downtime. This often involves redundant
components, error-checking mechanisms, and hardware designed for 24/7 operation.
Scalability: Servers should be scalable, allowing for easy expansion of resources such as processors,
memory, and storage to accommodate growing workloads.
Manageability: Servers come with management tools and interfaces that allow administrators to monitor,
configure, and maintain the server remotely, enhancing overall system manageability.
Security: Security is a critical aspect of servers. They employ various security features, including
firewalls, encryption, access controls, and security patches, to protect against unauthorized access and
data breaches.
Network Connectivity: Servers require robust network capabilities to facilitate communication with
other devices on the network. High-speed network interfaces and protocols are common features.
Storage Options: Servers offer various storage configurations, such as RAID setups, to improve data
reliability, availability, and performance. They also support a range of storage technologies, including
hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).
Virtualization Support: Many servers support virtualization, allowing multiple virtual machines (VMs)
to run on a single physical server. Virtualization enhances resource utilization, flexibility, and the ability
to run multiple operating systems concurrently.
Operating System Support: Servers run specialized operating systems optimized for server
environments. Common server operating systems include Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu Server,
CentOS) and Windows Server.
Remote Management: Remote management features enable administrators to monitor and control
servers from a distance. This is particularly important for data centers and environments where physical
access may be limited.
Backup and Recovery: Servers include backup and recovery mechanisms to safeguard against data loss.
Regular backups, snapshotting, and recovery options are essential for data protection and business
continuity.
Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient design is crucial for servers, especially in data centers where power
consumption can be a significant cost. Servers often feature power management technologies to optimize
energy usage.
Compliance: Servers may need to comply with specific industry standards and regulations, such as data
protection laws, security standards, and industry-specific compliance requirements.
Load Balancing: In server clusters or environments with multiple servers, load balancing ensures even
distribution of workloads, improving performance and preventing individual servers from becoming
overloaded.