Server Computers
A server is a specialized type of computer that provides data, resources, or services to other computers, known as "clients," on a computer network. This relationship between clients and servers is referred to as the client-server model, a crucial concept in network architecture.
Server Classifications
Servers can be classified based on the type of services they provide, their hardware design, or their role in a network.
Web Servers
A web server is computer software and the underlying hardware that accepts requests via HTTP (the network protocol created to distribute web content) or its secure variant, HTTPS, and responds by supplying the requested web pages. These servers are essential for hosting websites and web applications.
File Servers
A file server is a computer attached to a network that provides a location for shared disk access, i.e., the storage of computer files (such as documents, sound files, photographs, etc.) that can be accessed by the workstations that are able to reach the computer. This type of server is critical for data storage and retrieval.
Proxy Servers
A proxy server serves as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. It acts to relay those client requests to the proper server. This type of server is commonly used for filtering requests, improving performance, and sharing connections.
Blade Servers
A blade server is a stripped-down server computer with a modular design optimized to minimize the use of physical space and energy. Blade servers, which are housed in server racks, are designed for high-density environments.
Server Clusters and Farms
Server clusters and server farms are collections of computer servers working together to provide high availability, scalability, and load balancing. Server farms are typically located in modern data centers and are tightly connected via fast local area networks.
Computer Clusters
A computer cluster consists of multiple servers or nodes that work together to perform computing tasks. Each node runs its own instance of an operating system and often shares tasks to achieve greater performance.
Server Farms
A server farm, also known as a data center, is a centralized collection of servers maintained by an organization to provide large-scale server functionality. These farms enable businesses and cloud service providers to host numerous applications and services.
NonStop Servers
NonStop servers are a series of server computers introduced in 1976 by Tandem Computers Incorporated. These servers are designed for continuous operation and offer high fault tolerance, making them suitable for critical applications requiring uninterrupted service.
Components and Design
Servers often have specific features to distinguish them from standard personal computers. They are typically more powerful and reliable, with components optimized for multi-tasking and heavy workloads. Servers are often mounted in standardized 19-inch racks to save space and facilitate maintenance.