In this article, we will be looking at the meaning of server structure, Types of server and key components of a server.
INTRODUCTION
Servers keep large technological infrastructures, businesses, and even applications on smartphones of millions of users running. The Internet as a global online structure could not exist as we know it without the servers that host and display websites and other online services. The emergence of the global web led to the development of hosting services. Initially, hosting was offered primarily by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or companies that maintained their own servers. Over time, specialized companies emerged to provide a wide range of hosting solutions to meet different needs. Servers answer user requests via a client-server model. Here, the host device that powers network devices is referred to as host-server, and the in-network devices that utilize the resources the host device offers are termed clients.
What is server structure?
Server structure refers to a distributed computing system where tasks are divided between the server computer and the client computer. The server computer holds the database and responds to client requests for information, allowing for the sharing of resources and easy scalability by adding additional hardware.
A server is essentially designed to process requests from clients and then deliver the requested data or perform certain tasks. SSH keys (Secure Shell) and a client on the computer are used to connect to the server remotely.
Types of servers
Some of the key server types that are an integral part of networking environments are as follows:
Web server: is a type of server that hosts websites and applications that are accessible over the Internet. When a user wants to visit a particular website and requests a page, a web server receives an HTTP request and responds by sending the requested content to the user’s web browser.
The mail server: is responsible for sending, receiving, and storing e-mail. It uses protocols such as SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to send email and POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) or IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) for clients to receive email.
Database Server: The server manages data access and retrieval as well as the completion of client requests. A database server is a computer that runs database software and is dedicated to providing database services.
Web Proxy Server: It provides a communication interface between interacting networks by accepting requests from one network and forwarding them using its own IP address.
DNS server: DNS is responsible for finding the correct IP address for websites when users enter their domain names, such as ‘google.com’ or ‘nytimes.com,’ into web browsers.
Cloud Server: Cloud servers provide all of the same services as traditional physical servers, including processing power, storage, and applications. Cloud servers are dependable, fast, and secure.
Read: A Guide to Web Hosting and Types of Website Hosting Services
Key Components of a Server
Server components are the hardware and resources that make up a server and allow it to perform its functions effectively. The key components of a server include the motherboard, processor, random access memory (RAM) and storage.
The motherboard is a circuit board which connects every component of the server. The motherboard, more than any other element, is the heart of the server.
The CPU/Processor: The CPU is on the motherboard. CPU components include the arithmetic logic unit, floating point unit, registers and cache memory. A server might also contain a graphics processing unit (GPU), which supports applications such as machine learning and simulations.
Random Access Memory (RAM): The ram is critical to the performance of your server and the amount you use will need to scale up with your specific hosting needs. Besides quantity, there are quality differences in RAM. When the processor executes a computer program, that program typically resides in the main memory (RAM).
Hard Drive: Servers use storage components to store various files necessary for executing machine code. On the server side, traditional hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) are employed to store data. The choice of the storage element depends on the needs and requirements.
Bandwidth: This is the amount of data that can be transferred over a network connection in a given amount of time. Higher bandwidth means higher data transfer rates and better performance.