What are Servers? Types, functions, & how it works!

You are certainly familiar with the term server, right? The server is one of the most important devices in a computer network and the internet. In fact, when you’re surfing the internet, you’re unknowingly using a server.

But do you know the full meaning of the server? Well, in this article you will learn about the meaning, function, how it works, to the types of servers.

Without further ado, let’s go straight to the discussion!

What are Servers? The Definition:

Servers are computer systems that provide resources for centralized data storage and specialized services.

Data storage on the server is usually used to store documents and information. Then, the data will be used to perform various services. For example, displaying websites, receiving/sending emails, and so on.

There is not only one type of server. Servers can also be shared for the needs of many clients, ranging from email, DNS, to websites.

That’s why a server can be connected to several clients. Meanwhile, the client computer can also connect to several servers to back up each other.

In form, the server can be hardware, software, or virtual machines. Well, a server in the form of hardware is usually in the form of a computer network that has a very large size by accommodating several processors and large-capacity RAM. 

In form, the server can be hardware, software, or virtual machines. Well, a server in the form of hardware is usually in the form of a computer network that has a very large size by accommodating several processors and large-capacity RAM. 

How Do Servers Work? 

Okay. After knowing the meaning of the server, now let’s discuss how the server works first. In simple terms, the server works when there is a request from a client connected to a network.

The client computer will request data or services on the server. Then after the request is received, the server will process it and the results are sent back to the client computer. 

For example, let’s look at the client request process on the following web server. Say you want to open the techbriefers website, then you type the address www.techbriefers.com in the address bar of the browser. 

Therefore, the browser will ask for information about the techbriefers website on the web server. 

Then, the webserver will look for website identity data or IP addresses first on the DNS server. After knowing the IP address of the website then the server can send information to the browser to be displayed. 

Apart from being a storage center, the server also has several other functions according to its type. What’s the explanation like? So, stay tuned for this article. 

5 Server Functions You Must Know! 

Here are some functions of the server that you need to know: 

1. Serving Client Computer Requests 

As explained earlier, the server will serve all requests from clients for processing. Be it data requests or applications to be run by the client. 

To support these functions, servers usually use a fast and secure operating system. So, clients can work more effectively and of course safely. 

2. Storing Data or Information 

Another function of the server is as a place to store data sent from the client. The stored data can be in the form of complex types of documents and information. 

To be able to accommodate a lot of data, the server must have a large capacity. So, clients can store and access data together with other clients. 

3. Provide a Database to Run 

The server also has the function of providing a database for data storage and processing. Usually, large companies take advantage of this function to implement big data. 

Later, all data stored in the database can be processed and accessed by users. With this service, many companies can develop their business products. 

4. Manage Data or File Transfer Traffic

The server will manage the communication and transfer of information to the client. Can you imagine how busy the server is when many clients will make requests, right? For this reason, server devices usually have high capacities such as hard drives and RAM. 

5. Safeguard from Evil Attack

Finally, the server can also serve to protect a computer or website from hacker attacks. 

Every time there is a request for data from the client, the server will check the IP address and other information. If there is anything suspicious, such as a malware threat, the server can prevent access to that IP address. That way, the data stored on the computer or website can be kept safe. 

What Kinds of Servers Are Available? 

The following is a review of the types of servers available: 

1. Web Server

Web server is software that functions to run websites. This server is used as a control center in processing websites and to store various website data such as HTML documents, CSS files, and Javascript files. 

To be able to display web pages, the web server will receive and process requests from the browser. Then the results will be sent back to the browser to be displayed. 

The quality of the web server used can greatly affect the performance of the website. There are several popular types of web servers that you can use, but the best web server that can maximize website performance is LiteSpeed. 

LiteSpeed ​​has a performance that is able to lighten the server load 3 times better than other popular web servers. 

2. Mail Server

A mail server is a server that provides facilities for managing and storing user email data. The mail server will accommodate and forward the email from the sender to the recipient of the email. 

Mail servers have special protocols for sending and receiving emails. To send an email, the mail server has the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) protocol. Then, there is POP3 (Post Office Protocol) is a protocol for receiving and storing email. 

If likened, the mail server is a virtual post office. When you send an email to someone, the mail server will identify the address of the recipient. Only then will the email be sent to the recipient.  

Mail servers are usually used by business people because they can send marketing emails to more recipients at once. In addition, the mail server also has a special security system that is able to block incoming spam emails and outgoing emails as spam.

3. Application Server

An application server is a device that provides services or performs service processes for each access request from a client connected to the network. Communication between the client and the application server can use the HTTP protocol. 

This application server is usually used to execute a procedure, be it a program or a script so that the application can run. 

At first glance, this application server is similar to a web server that both provides services for clients and uses the HTTP protocol. However, there is one thing that sets it apart. 

Web servers are usually used to create static websites, where the information contained in them does not change. While the application server is usually used to create dynamic websites or applications, such as object pooling, messaging services, transaction applications, and others. 

Most application servers also have a web server on an integral part. So that the application server is usually also able to run the function of a web server. 

4. Database Server

A database server is a computer system that provides services for accessing and retrieving data in a database. Companies may use this type of server to store and process their data and information.

Access to the database server is possible through the user interface (front end) or through a remote shell that directly accesses the database server (back end). 

To be able to access the database server, users need to use a query language according to the database. One of the most popular query languages ​​is SQL (Structured Query Language).

5. FTP Server

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) can connect to a server so that users can download and upload files. 

You can use these FTP servers to send large files to web hosting. FTP will connect to the file server and provide services for transferring, downloading, and uploading files using the internet. 

The function of FTP is different from a file server which only provides data for computer users through certain computer networks. So, users can more easily transfer files. 

6. DHCP Server 

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP Server is a device that functions to set and assign IP addresses to client computers automatically. 

The DHCP server also functions to perform configuration updates or changes to IP addresses, such as expired IP addresses or portable devices moving locations. 

Even the configuration process carried out by DHCP can minimize errors that often occur if done manually. Like a typo or an IP conflict. 

DHCP servers can process multiple client requests simultaneously in a large network. Thus, the network administration process can be more concise and easy. 

7. File Server 

A file server is a computer network that stores and manages all computer data on a network. The data includes document files, images, videos, music, and more. 

File servers manage information and communications that occur on computer networks. Usually, these servers are a solution for local networks such as computer networks in office rooms, internet cafes, and others. 

8. Proxy Server 

A proxy server is a device or a computer that provides proxy services. You can say, the proxy itself is a security measure that allows you to access the internet network with a different IP from the original IP of your device. 

One can leverage Proxy Services to secure user identities when accessing the internet, restrict access to certain sites, to block access to sites and social media. 

If you have a website, you can also use a proxy to control access to your website. 

9. Streaming Server 

Streaming servers are servers that provide services to be able to play videos directly on websites, such as Youtube, Netflix, Viu, and others. With this server, you can enjoy large voice and video broadcasts without the need to download them first. 

10. Game Server 

Game server is a game center that serves to connect or bring together players. This type of server is made specifically for a game so that the presence of many players does not interfere with the game. 

Game servers have two categories of servers, namely external servers and internal servers. Where the external server is storage that is provided by the game developer. While the internal server is the storage of the user’s computer. The popular game server used is Steam. 

So, Servers are… 

Server is a computer system that has large resources and special services for the needs of computers or other devices (clients). 

Servers also have several types that work according to their respective functions. For example, a web server that functions to run a website. Then, a special mail server for sending and receiving email. Also, DHCP server to manage IP address configuration more effectively. 

Oh yes, in order to get maximum server benefits, it is very important to choose a trusted server provider service.

Okay, that was an explanation of the full understanding of the server. If you have questions about the server, don’t hesitate to write in the comments below.