Server Infrastructure
Server Infrastructure
Server infrastructure consists of physical and virtual resources, along with hardware, software, network resources, to support the management of servers in an IT environment.
Types of server infrastructure
Organizations can set up two types of infrastructure: centralized and decentralized.
- Centralized server infrastructure is organized within one data center
- Decentralized server infrastructure is distributed among multiple data centers
What are the different types of servers?
Several types of servers perform different functions. The most common server types organizations use are outlined below:
- File servers: File servers centrally store critical business information that can be shared with authorized clients. The centralized storage of files provides easier backup, access, fault tolerance, security, and integrity on every device.
- DNS servers: DNS servers are responsible for converting client requests into machine-readable IP addresses. They help you find the correct IP address of the site requested by the user. Browsers use those addresses to deliver website information.
- Web servers: Web servers are the most commonly used servers to host programs and data requested by users over the internet. Examples of web servers include Apache, NGINX, and more.
- Application servers: Application servers are virtualized servers that can install, operate, and host user applications and associated services critical for delivering end-user experience. These servers often run resource-intensive applications shared among a large number of users. An application server eliminates the need to install and maintain software on several machines.
- Database servers: Database servers are used to store critical data used by companies, users, and clients for various operations and services. Common database server applications include SQL, Oracle, and more.
- Print servers: Print servers are usually the devices connecting printers to multiple servers over a network. It eliminates the need to attach separate printers to each computer or workstation. A single printer can serve printing requests from numerous clients.
- Virtual servers: Virtual servers and their resources can be shared by multiple users, each having full control. In short, a single physical server can be converted into multiple virtual machines (VMs) with the ability to run individually with the help of a hypervisor.