Server (computing)

Wikimedia Foundation servers

A server is a computer program or a device that waits for requests from other devices or software (called "clients") and responds to them. A server typically processes data. The purpose of a server is to share data or resources among clients. The clients may run on the same computer or may connect to the server over a network.[1] Typical computing servers are database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers, and application servers.[2] Designating a computer as "server-class hardware" implies that it is more powerful and reliable than standard personal computers or is specialized for performing the server's role. Servers may be composed of large clusters of relatively simple, replaceable machines.

History

The use of the word server in computing comes from queuing theory,[3] where it dates to the mid 20th century, being notably used in Kendall (1953) (along with "service"), the paper that introduced Kendall's notation. In earlier papers, such as the Erlang (1909), more concrete terms such as "[telephone] operators" are used.

In computing, "server" dates at least to RFC 5 (1969),[4] one of the earliest documents describing ARPANET (the predecessor of Internet), and is contrasted with "user", distinguishing two types of host: "server-host" and "user-host". The use of "serving" also dates to early documents, such as RFC 4,[5] contrasting "serving-host" with "using-host".

The Jargon File defines "server" in the common sense of a process performing service for requests, usually remote, with the 1981 (1.1.0) version reading:

SERVER n. A kind of DAEMON which performs a service for the requester, which often runs on a computer other than the one on which the server runs.

Operation

A network based on the client–server model, where individual clients request services and resources from centralized servers

The term server refers narrowly to a computer program or process (running program). It is used broadly to also refer to a machine used to (or dedicated to) running one or several server programs. On a network, such a device is called a host. In addition to server, the words serve and service (as noun and as verb) are frequently used, though servicer and servant are not.[lower-alpha 1] The word service (noun) may refer to either the abstract form of functionality, e.g. Web service. Alternatively, it may refer to a computer program that turns a computer into a server, e.g. Windows service. Originally used as "servers serve users" (and "users use servers"), in the sense "obey", today one often says that "servers serve data", in the same sense as "give". For instance, web servers "serve [up] web pages to users" or "service their requests".

The server is part of the client–server model; in this model, a server serves data for clients. The nature of communication between a client and server is request and response. This is in contrast with peer-to-peer model in which the relationship is on-demand reciprocation. In principle, any computerized process that can be used or called by another process (particularly remotely, particularly to share a resource) is a server, and the calling process or processes is a client. Thus any general purpose computer connected to a network can host servers. For example, if files on a machine are shared by some process, that process is a file server. Similarly, web server software can run on any capable computer, and so a laptop or a personal computer can host a web server.

When referring to hardware, the word server typically designates computer models specialized for their role. In general, a server performs its role better than a generic personal computer.

Purpose

The purpose of a server is to share data as well as to share resources and distribute work. A server computer can serve its own computer programs as well; depending on the scenario, this could be part of a quid pro quo transaction, or simply a technical possibility. The following table shows several scenarios in which a server is used.

Server type Purpose Clients
Application server Hosts web apps (computer programs that run inside a web browser) allowing users in the network to run and use them, without having to install a copy on their own machines. Unlike what the name might imply, these servers need not be part of the world wide web; any local network would do. Computers with a web browser
Catalog server Maintains an index or table of contents of information that can be found across a large distributed network, such as computers, users, files shared on file servers, and web apps. Directory servers and name servers are examples of catalog servers. Any computer program that needs to find something on the network, such a Domain member attempting to log in, an email client looking for an email address, or a user looking for a file
Communications server Maintains an environment needed for one communication endpoint (user or devices) to find other endpoints and communicate with them. It may or may not include a directory of communication endpoints and a presence detection service, depending on the openness and security parameters of the network Communication endpoints (users or devices)
Computing server It shares vast amounts of computing resources, especially CPU and random-access memory, over a network. Any computer program that needs more CPU power and RAM than a personal computer can probably afford. The client must be a networked computer; otherwise, there would be no client–server model.
Database server Maintains and shares any form of database (organized collections of data with predefined properties that may be displayed in a table) over a network. Spreadsheets, accounting software, asset management software or virtually an computer program that consumes well-organized data, especially in large volumes
Fax server Shares one or more fax machines over a network, thus eliminating the hassle of physical access Any fax sender or recipient
File server Shares files and folder, storage space to hold files and folders, or both, over a network Networked computers are the intended clients, even though local programs can be clients
Game server Enables several computers or gaming devices to play multiplayer games Personal computers or gaming consoles
Mail server Makes email communication possible in the same way that a post office makes snail mail communication possible Senders and recipients of email
Media server Shares digital video or digital audio over a network through media streaming (transmitting content in a way that portions received can be watched or listened as they arrive, as opposed downloading a whole huge file and then using it) User-attended personal computers equipped with a monitor and a speaker
Print server Shares one of more printers over a network, thus eliminating the hassle of physical access Computers in need of printing something
Sound server Enables computer programs of a computer to play sound and record sound, individually or cooperatively Computer programs of the same computer
Proxy server Acts as an intermediary between a client and a server, accepting incoming traffic from the client and sending it to the server. Reasons for doing so includes content control and filtering, improving traffic performance, preventing unauthorized network access or simply routing the traffic over a large and complex network. Any networked computer
Web server Hosts web pages. A web server is what makes world wide web possible. Each website has one or more web servers. Computers with a web browser

Almost the entire structure of the Internet is based upon a client–server model. High-level root nameservers, DNS, and routers direct the traffic on the internet. There are millions of servers connected to the Internet, running continuously throughout the world[6] and virtually every action taken by an ordinary Internet user requires one or more interactions with one or more server. There are exceptions that do not use dedicated servers; for example peer-to-peer file sharing, some implementations of telephony (e.g. pre-Microsoft Skype).

Hardware requirement

A rack-mountable server with the top cover removed to reveal internal components

Hardware requirement for servers vary widely, depending on the server's purpose and its software.

Since servers are usually accessed over a network, many run unattended, without a computer monitor, or input device, audio hardware and USB interfaces. Many servers do not have a graphical user interface (GUI). They are configured and managed remotely. Remote management include MMC, SSH or a web browser.

Large servers

Large traditional single servers would need to be run for long periods without interruption. Availability would have to be very high, making hardware reliability and durability extremely important. Mission-critical enterprise servers would be very fault tolerant and use specialized hardware with low failure rates in order to maximize uptime. Uninterruptible power supplies might be incorporated to insure against power failure. Servers typically include hardware redundancy such as dual power supplies, RAID disk systems, and ECC memory,[7] along with extensive pre-boot memory testing and verification. Critical components might be hot swappable, allowing technicians to replace them on the running server without shutting it down, and to guard against overheating, servers might have more powerful fans or use water cooling. They will often be able to be configured, powered up and down or rebooted remotely, using out-of-band management, typically based on IPMI. Server casings are usually flat and wide, and designed to be rack-mounted.

These types of servers are often housed in dedicated server centers. These will normally have very stable power and Internet and increased security. Noise is also less of a concern, but power consumption and heat output can be a serious issue. Server rooms are equipped with air conditioning devices.

A server rack seen from the rear 
Wikimedia Foundation servers as seen from the front 
Wikimedia Foundation servers as seen from the rear 
Wikimedia Foundation servers as seen from the rear 

Clusters

Main article: Server farm

A server farm or server cluster is a collection of computer servers maintained by an organization to supply server functionality far beyond the capability of a single machine. Modern data centers are now often built of very large clusters of much simpler servers,[8] and there is a collaborative effort, Open Compute Project around this concept.

Appliances

A class of small specialist servers called network appliances are generally at the low end of the scale, often being smaller than common desktop computers.

Operating systems

Sun's Cobalt Qube 3; a computer server appliance (2002); running Cobalt Linux (a customized version of Red Hat Linux, using the 2.2 Linux kernel), complete with the Apache web server.

On the Internet the dominant operating systems among servers are UNIX-like open source distributions, such as those based on Linux and FreeBSD,[9] with Windows Server also having a very significant share. Proprietary operating systems such as z/OS and Mac OS X are also deployed, but in much smaller numbers.

Specialist server-oriented operating systems have traditionally had features such as:

In practice, today many desktop and server operating systems share similar code bases, differing mostly in configuration.

Energy consumption

In 2010, data centers (servers, cooling, and other electrical infrastructure) were responsible for 1.1-1.5% of electrical energy consumption worldwide and 1.7-2.2% in the United States.[11] One estimate is that total energy consumption for information and communications technology saves more than 5 times its carbon footprint[12] in the rest of the economy by enabling efficiency.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ A CORBA servant is a server-side object to which method calls from remote method invocation are delegated, but this is an uncommon usage.

References

  1. ↑ Windows Server Administration Fundamentals. Microsoft Official Academic Course. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030: John Wiley & Sons. 2011. pp. 2–3. ISBN 978-0-470-90182-3.
  2. ↑ Comer, Douglas E.; Stevens, David L. (1993). Vol III: Client-Server Programming and Applications. Internetworking with TCP/IP. Department of Computer Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 479: Prentice Hall. pp. 11d. ISBN 0-13-474222-2.
  3. ↑ Richard A. Henle, Boris W. Kuvshinoff, C. M. Kuvshinoff (1992). Desktop computers: in perspective. Oxford University Press. p. 417. Server is a fairly recent computer networking term derived from queuing theory.
  4. ↑ Rulifson, Jeff (June 1969). DEL. IETF. RFC 5. https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc5. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  5. ↑ Shapiro, Elmer B. (March 1969). Network Timetable. IETF. RFC 4. https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc4. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  6. ↑ "Web Servers". IT Business Edge. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  7. ↑ Li, Huang, Shen, Chu (2010). ""A Realistic Evaluation of Memory Hardware Errors and Software System Susceptibility". Usenix Annual Tech Conference 2010" (PDF).
  8. ↑ "Google uncloaks once-secret server". CNET. CBS Interactive.
  9. ↑ "Usage statistics and market share of Linux for websites". Retrieved 18 Jan 2013.
  10. ↑ "Server Oriented Operating System". Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  11. ↑ Markoff, John (31 Jul 2011). "Data Centers Using Less Power Than Forecast, Report Says". NY Times. Retrieved 18 Jan 2013.
  12. ↑ "SMART 2020: Enabling the low carbon economy in the information age" (PDF). The Climate Group. 6 Oct 2008. Retrieved 18 Jan 2013.

Further reading

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