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Types of Servers in Computer Network

Data is sent, received, and stored by a server. Basically, a server is there to offer services. Multiple services may be offered through a server, which can be a computer, software application, or even a storage device.

Video on Computer Networks

In this article, we will look more into the Types of Servers in Computer Networks according to the GATE Syllabus for (Computer Science Engineering) CSE. We will read ahead to find out more about it.

Table of Contents

What are Servers in Computer Network?

A server in computing is a programme or device that offers functionality to what is known as clients, which are other programmes or devices. The client-server model is the name of this architecture. It distributes a single overall calculation over various processes or devices. Services are the numerous functionalities that servers might offer. These services include executing computation for a client or distributing data or resources among many clients. A single server can serve several clients, and a single client can use many servers. On the same machine, a client process can be active. In order to run on a different device, it could also connect via a network to a server.

Database servers, print servers, mail servers, file servers, application servers, web servers, and game servers are a few examples of servers.

The request-response paradigm, in which a client submits a request to the server, is the one used to create client-server systems most frequently. In this approach, the server does some action and then provides the client with a response, usually with a conclusion or an acknowledgement. A computer is specialised for operating servers when it is referred to as server-class hardware. This suggests that it is more capable and trustworthy than regular personal computers. Large computing clusters, however, can be built from a variety of cheap, easily replaced server parts.

Types and Applications of Servers

Application Server

Users on the network can run and use web apps (software that runs inside a web browser) on application servers without having to install a copy of them on their personal machines. These servers don’t have to be connected to the Internet. Web-enabled PCs serve as their clients.

Catalog Server

The calalog servers keep a table of contents or index of the information that is spread out over a wide distributed network. Computers, users, files exchanged via file servers, and web apps can all be part of a distributed network. Directory servers or name servers are a couple of examples of catalog servers. Any computer programme that has to search the network is one of their clients. An email client seeking an email address, a user looking for a file, or a domain member trying to log in are a few examples.

Communications Server

The communication servers keep up the environment required for a communication endpoint to locate and then connect with other endpoints. Depending on the network’s openness and security settings, these servers may or may not have a directory containing communication endpoints or a presence detection service. Their customers are points of communication.

Computing Server

Over a network, computing servers share a sizable amount of computational resources, such as CPU and random-access memory. These kinds of servers can be used by any computer programme that requires more CPU and RAM than a single computer is likely able to provide. To implement the client-server concept, which is essential, the client has to be a networked computer.

Database Server

Any type of database can be maintained and shared using database servers via a network. A structured collection of data with predetermined properties that may be shown in a table is referred to as a database. Spreadsheets, asset management software, accounting software, and just about any other computer programme that consumes well-organised information, particularly in huge amounts, are clients of these servers.

Fax Server

By sharing one or more fax machines across a network, fax servers do away with the inconvenience of physical access. These servers’ clients might be either fax senders or recipients.

File Server

The file servers share over network files and folders, along with storage space for files and folders, or both. Even though local programmes might be clients, networked machines are the intended recipients.

Mail Server

Similar to how a post office facilitates communication via snail mail, mail servers enable communication via email. Both email senders and recipients are clients of these servers.

Print Server

The inconvenience of physical access is removed by the print servers’ network sharing of one or more printers. Computers in need of printing are their customers.

Proxy Server

By receiving incoming traffic from a client and transferring it to the server, the proxy server serves as an intermediate between a client and another server. The use of a proxy server can be justified for a number of reasons, such as content filtering and control, traffic performance enhancement, preventing unwanted network access or simple traffic routing over a big and complicated network. Any networked computer can be one of the clients.

Web Server

Websites are hosted on web servers. The World Wide Web is only feasible because of web servers. There are one or more web servers for each website. Computers equipped with web browsers serve as the clients.

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