The server is an important component in the development of a website or application. As an active user of computer resources, you must have heard of the server.
Do you know what a server is and its role in the world of networking? If not, you've come to the right article.
This article will explain the meaning of server, its types, and how it works.
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What is a Server?
A server is a supercomputer with a special operating system called a network operating system which is designed to store various forms of data.
The data stored on the server is in the form of complex digital information and documents.
In addition to being a place to store data, servers also play an important role in providing access for clients (users of other computer devices). The server process requests and sends data to clients via the internet or local network.
In addition, the server can also run various administrative software and control the use of various resources on it. Examples are printers and access to workstations for network members.
There are two forms of servers: hardware servers and virtual servers.
A hardware server is physically in the form of a large computer network. It is equipped with several supporting components such as a scalable processor and super large capacity RAM.
As technology advances, servers have evolved into more than just software that runs on one or more computer devices. This is why we have the virtual server.
Initially, virtual servers were used to increase the number of servers that could operate separately on a single piece of hardware.
Currently, virtual servers are generally run by third parties on hardware by utilizing the internet network and with cloud computing settings.
Server Types
Servers are classified into several types based on their function; they include:
1. Web Server
A web server is a computer program that stores all the data on a website. This type of server handles client requests for website access and displays the requested information on a computer screen.
On this type of server, the client is a web browser, and client requests can be submitted with HTTP or HTTPS communication protocols.
2. Mail Server
The role of a mail server is to assist clients in exchanging electronic messages between computer devices that are still connected to the same network.
The mail server is divided into two types: an incoming mail server and an outgoing mail server.
Mail server communication uses POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3rd Version) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol).
POP3 functions as an electronic messaging protocol to store all messages on the local hard drive. While IMAP is a protocol for storing messages on a mail server.
3. Game Servers
Game servers are used to meet the needs of game developers in developing multiplayer online games. So the game can accommodate many users who access the game simultaneously without experiencing downtime.
This server is made up of two components: internal and external game servers.
The internal game server is a location where data from the user's computer is stored. While the external server is a data storage prepared by the game developer.
4. Application Server
When viewed at a glance, the application server looks similar to a web server because they both provide services to clients using the HTTP protocol.
What distinguishes these two types of servers is their function. The web server is used to create a static website, while the application server is used to execute programs or scripts so that a dynamic application or website can run.
5. Database Server
A database server is a computer network that allows clients to manage data and information on the server in a structured manner. So that the process of searching for information carried out by the client runs quickly.
Its components consist of flat files, relations, objects, and relational-object databases.
In running a database server, users need to understand the query language according to the database.
6. File Server
A file server is a computer network designed to be directly integrated with workstations and handle requests for data stored on a disk.
The data stored on the disk are multimedia files such as pictures, videos, documents, music, etc.
7. DHCP Server
DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a server that provides IP services automatically to clients, hosts, or computers on a TCP/IP network that make requests.
8. Proxy Server
The proxy server functions as an intermediary that connects the user with the web server and secures the client's IP address when surfing the internet.
9. FTP Server
FTP or File Transfer Protocol is used to provide data access over a single network.
How Servers Work
The way each type of server works is actually almost the same. In simple terms, the server works when there is a request from a client connected to a network.
The only difference lies in the implementation of each server's services, tasks, and functions.
Let's take a detailed example of how a web server works:
- The working process of a web server begins with an internet user who opens a web browser through their computer.
- When internet users type a website address in a web browser, the computer used automatically becomes a client that will send an HTTP request.
- After pressing the search button, the DNS server will find the IP address of the website address that the client wants to visit.
- After the IP address of the website you want to go to is found, the client will connect directly to the web server to request access.
- If the request is accepted, the server will send an HTTP response to the client.
- At this stage, the client will get the desired web page display.
Conclusion
The server is a computer system with large and scalable resources that are used to store digital data and serve client data needs.
Without a server, you will not be found and accessed by clients.
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