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Getting to Know Servers: Functions, 7 Types, How They Work, and Benefits

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Have you ever used a computer? You must have seen a type of service that operates on a computer system that is for example based in a particular country or region. This type of service is a server.

Server is a special service in the form of data storage. Server is a computer network that has a very large storage size.

At first glance, a digital server is a component that has various devices such as a processor and RAM that, unlike a regular computer, has a larger capacity.

Servers are instrumental in the operation of computer systems that require large amounts of storage and high performance.

Using them is essential for providing faster access to services for sending and receiving data and information to the accessible.

Servers can operate as long as there is hardware as an intermediary.

This article will explain more about servers. Starting from understanding, 7 types, functions, to how it works. Check out the following explanation.

Definition of Server

Then what is a server? Do you already understand about servers? In general, a server is a collection of a network of computer services gathered on a single hardware device such as a computer or laptop.

Each server is a data store of information from a variety of complex document types.

These services aim to provide a lot of convenience and indeed almost everything aims to make it easier for clients or users.

To enable faster access services to send or receive data and information available on servers, and is physically formed as a computer network and consists of a number of components supporting processors and RAM.

Servers are particularly useful in the use of computer services that are clustered and require further classification.

This is a fairly effective tool for categorizing users both and generally by location.

An example is a location-based server. Suppose if a user is playing an online game, and the user's location is connected to the device, then it will connect according to the user's location.

Server Functions

So from the type, you can conclude that the general server function is to accommodate and provide access services for users and computers that are the main tools. Here are the server functions in general.

1. Accommodate Users into One Place According to Preferences

The function of the server is to host users in one place that suits their preferences.

For example, in the web type, users will find the features cookies. This feature will provide and direct users to content according to their preferences.

2. Provide Access for Users to Connect with Other Servers

In addition to providing a container for users, one of the other functions is to connect users to access to other servers.

As for example in the type of proxy that connects users to connect with the type of web server they are aiming for.

3. Provide Data Access for Users

Another general server function is to provide data access for users. Data access is very important for user profiles and privacy.

Data access is useful for storing all user activity while active on the computer. You can find examples of this function in some types such as FTP.

Types of Servers Based on Their Needs

Now, from these definitions and small examples, you can see that there are various types that do have an effect according to user needs and provider needs.

There are 7 types of servers based on their needs. Here are the seven types.

1. Web Server

web server
How web servers work (Source: Dewaweb)

The first type is a web server. From the name alone, you must know that it is useful for providing a place and container for website users and visitors.

Web server is the type that plays the role of publishing WWW (World Wide Web). This will send the web page in the form of HTML or CSS.

Its main task is to send files that the user has previously requested. This type of delivery happens through the browser with some special conditions.

Today, however, it is the server that is able to connect the browser with a wide variety of hardware devices such as printers and others.

2. Mail Server

mail server
Workflow of mail server (From: Niaghoster)

It is a type of server that focuses on mail delivery and digital correspondence. This type will serve users and visitors in exchanging messages with other users digitally.

Now, the difference with other types is that mail servers have two types: incoming and outgoing mail servers.

For incoming mail providers, there are several types such as POP3 and IMAP. POP3 is an electronic messaging protocol that stores sent and stored messages on a local computer.

Then IMAP is a protocol that always stores a copy of the sent message into the type itself.

Broadly speaking, this is a type that serves to accommodate the exchange of messages and digital correspondence for fellow users.

And nowadays, this type has been connected to several protocols to provide users with the ability to send images and videos. Examples include Whatsapp and Instagram.

3. Database Type

database server
database type workflow (From: Dicoding)

This type is a fairly simple type of server, where the server will provide database management services to other types.

So a database is a type that can organize other types. The database server type becomes a server with a fairly simple way of working and consists of four types, namely:

  • Flat File Database
  • Relation Database
  • Object Database
  • Relational-Object Database

The Database concept is to provide organized big data services. So that it is easier to search. This service will provide access to users at the same time.

4. DHCP Server

dchp server
DCHP Server (From: Badoy Studio)

DHCP server or known as Dinamic Host Configuration Protocol is a type that runs IP Address and domain leasing services.

This type also provides services for TCP/IP on the client. It assigns and creates IP addresses automatically on connected computers or devices.

5. Proxy Server

proxy server
PRoxy type workflow (From: Iphtml)

Is a type that is useful for mediating web servers with users. So, every user who will access the internet will pass through the proxy first.

This proxy will also detect any interference or suspicious internet access. If there are users or internet access to suspicious web servers, it will be completely blocked by the Proxy.

Examples of Proxy servers are VPN services as well as browser DNS. 

6. FTP Server

ftp server
FTP Server (From: Menggunakan.id)

FTP Server is a type that only gives one server access to data over a single network. In this type, the client will use unencrypted ASCII code in the transfer process.

While the other type, STFP, provides a security network to protect data during the transfer process with the user.

7. Game Server

game server
Game Server Example (From: DeviantArt)

This type is a fairly easy type for everyone to understand. This type will categorize users or player in a group in the game to meet with player other.

This grouping depends on the game developer. It can be based on level, player rank, player play style, profile, and location.

There are currently two types that are often used. The first is based on player location where players with the same or adjacent location areas will be placed in one location.

Meanwhile, the second is based on the player's level where players of the same level will be brought together so that the game will be more balanced. This server is popular in games online.

How the Server Works

Then you must be asking how a server works. A server works quite simply. A server will work at the will and request of the client.

If you use a computer and select one on a game server for example, you will automatically connect to the server according to your computer's location if the game server is location-based. The same goes for everything else.

Server Benefits

There are several benefits of servers that are useful both for users and for computers. Here are the benefits based on the types and functions that have been described.

1. Can Organize Data Traffic, Making Computers Faster

A server can effectively manage data traffic on a computer. You no longer need to organize your data manually. All data will be stored in the same folder.

Thus, a server will not let any data out of its storage. This will make the computer faster.

2. Set Client Computer Access Rights to All Networks

A server will set the client's computer access rights once the client logs into the server.

This will give the client the authority to choose which network the server can connect to. So the whole network will be more easily synchronized.

3. Protecting Client Computers With Malware Services

A server can protect client computers from malware attacks. Some types like Proxy will provide options and recommendations to protect the computer from malware attacks, especially on less encrypted websites.

Closing

Thus the explanation of this article regarding servers. As the name suggests in Indonesian, server, this component provides services in the form of delivery and containers for users to operate computers with other users according to their needs.

A server is a type of device collection that is effective for connecting users with each other.

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