Updated: 08/02/2020 by 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 that receives requests for a web files and sends those files to the client. Servers 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 that take on the responsibility of e-mail,
DNS, FTP, and multiple websites in the case of a web server. 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. The following list contains links to various server types. 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 access 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.
Client, Computer, Hardware terms, Host computer, Microcomputer, Network, Network terms, PWS, Server farm, Server mirroring, Supercomputer, Web design terms, Workstation Network servers are high-powered computers used as a central repository for data and various programs shared by users within a network. Users have a universe of programs and files they retain on their PCs, laptops, and devices. When enough users share the same resources, a network server is a general-purpose system that can enable sharing, storing, and management of network resources. Though “network server” was a common term twenty years ago, the trend in the new millennium has been designing servers for specific purposes and workloads. Though this trend continues, the network server still has plenty of use for smaller networks that need a central manager. This article looks at what network server means today, their role in network management, how to deploy a network server and security considerations. What Is a Network Server?In their prime, network servers were powerful enough to host multiple programs and plenty of user files. In today’s age of virtualization and potent processors, though, the “network” part of the name is often dropped, leaving just the idea of the general-purpose server. As computing technology shrinks devices over time, some consumer computers today are just as capable as the network server of decades ago. While it might be a lower priority for enterprise networks today, its role remains a vital one to most organizations. Because both types of servers play similar roles facilitating shared data resources, the network server is most often confused with file servers today.  How Do Network Servers Work?When working with sensitive applications or files, saving progress on your local device is a start, but what if you lose access to your device? Network servers address this problem by hosting the files and programs most pertinent to the network and enabling access for consistent, real-time use. As a result, personnel or network clients can instantly access important data or tools while also facilitating collaboration between users. Multiple users can make changes to the same program or document for continued development over the course of a project. Via a secure login, remote users can connect to the home network. In the above graphic, the circle represents an organization network where a network server facilitates collaboration and file sharing between network clients (devices). Network and File Servers: Two Peas in a PodNetwork and file servers are rightfully confused because they play similar roles and were foundational to early networking. Both network and file servers work as an intermediary and host for network clients and resources. How Network Servers Are ChangingNetwork servers – as the closest to being a general-purpose server – continue to evolve in their availability and appearance. Today’s network servers are frequently seen in the following forms:
Speaking of on-premises servers, check out our picks for Top Rack Servers of 2021. Network Server FeaturesAs businesses grow, a point comes where relying on email or local hard drives for data storage isn’t feasible. The logical step is having a central location to store files and share access to devices like printers or applications like a CRM. The role of a network server, then, is to provide users with a set of services and access to resources on the network. These features include:
“Data usage and content is exploding, and the need for a file server to host shared files is still a key consideration for those buying a server,” said Jonathan Seckler, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Dell EMC. How to Create a Network ServerCreating a network server for a group of peers and devices to access isn’t difficult. The above graphic shows how an administrator or small business owner can conveniently purchase and configure a physical or virtual machine to play the role of a network server. In the server marketplace, buyers can find a range of options for different levels of IT experience. Creating Virtual Network ServersSolutions like Microsoft Hyper-V or VMware offer organizations the ability to create virtual server environments. Users can leverage the management tools and capabilities built into enterprise hardware for businesses that grow beyond a single server. Top-tier server manufacturers now offer integrated management capabilities. These systems provide an easy-to-use management console for monitoring and managing the servers on a network. Improving Network Server SecurityLike any other server, PC, laptop, or device, network server security is critical. Any system on a network, after all, can be targeted by hackers or online criminals. Therefore, standard safeguards should be in place, including: Network Server Security Tips
For the last tip, note that most users should be able to store, review, and edit files on the network server. Permissions to add, change, remove users, add devices, or configure the server must be limited to primary administrators. Read more about the premier vendors and solutions for network security with picks for Best Enterprise Cybersecurity Tools & Solutions for 2021. What is a server and examples?server, network computer, computer program, or device that processes requests from a client (see client-server architecture). On the World Wide Web, for example, a Web server is a computer that uses the HTTP protocol to send Web pages to a client's computer when the client requests them.
What is the main purpose of a server?A server stores, sends, and receives data. In essence, it "serves" something else and exists to provide services. A computer, software program, or even a storage device may act as a server, and it may provide one service or several.
What are 3 functions of a server?Here are some functions of the server that you need to know:. Serving Client Computer Requests. As explained earlier, the server will serve all requests from clients for processing. ... . Storing Data or Information. ... . Provide a Database to Run. ... . Manage Data or File Transfer Traffic. ... . Safeguard from Evil Attack.. |
