Types of Servers
In a general network environment the following types of servers may be found.
- Application server, a server dedicated to running certain software applications
- Catalog server, a central search point for information across a distributed network
- Communications server, carrier-grade computing platform for communications networks
- Compute server, a server intended for intensive (esp. scientific) computations
- Database server, provides database services to other computer programs or computers
- Fax server, provides fax services for clients
- File server, provides remote access to files
- Game server, a server that video game clients connect to in order to play online together
- Home server, a server for the home
- Name server or DNS
- Print server, provides printer services
- Proxy server, acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers
- Sound server, provides multimedia broadcasting, streaming.
- Standalone server, an emulator for client–server (web-based) programs
- Web server, a server that HTTP clients connect to in order to send commands and receive responses along with data contents
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.
- World Wide Web
- Domain Name System
- FTP file transfer
- Chat and instant messaging
- Voice communication
- Streaming audio and video
- Online gaming
- Database servers
Virtually every action taken by an ordinary Internet user requires one or more interactions with one or more servers.
There are also technologies that operate on an inter-server level. Other services do not use dedicated servers; for example peer-to-peer file sharing, some implementations of telephony (e.g. Skype), and supplying television programs to several users (e.g. Kontiki, SlingBox).
Read more about this topic: Server (computing)
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