Server Network and Operating Systems
1. Introduction to Server Networks
Topics:
o Overview of Server Networks
o Types of Servers (File, Print, Web, Database, Mail, DNS)
o Client-Server Architecture
o Peer-to-Peer vs. Client-Server Models
1. Overview of Server Networks
Definition:
o A server network is a collection of interconnected servers that work together to
provide resources, services, and data to clients within an organization or across
multiple locations.
o These networks form the backbone of IT infrastructure, enabling centralized
management of resources such as files, databases, applications, and
communication tools.
Importance:
o Efficiency: Centralizes resources and reduces redundancy.
o Security: Facilitates secure data management and access control.
o Scalability: Easily expands to accommodate growing needs.
o Reliability: Enhances system reliability with backup and failover capabilities.
Components:
o Servers: Powerful computers that manage resources and provide services to
clients.
o Clients: Devices (e.g., computers, smartphones) that request services from
servers.
o Network Infrastructure: Includes switches, routers, and cabling that connect
servers and clients.
2. Types of Servers
File Servers:
Server Network and Operating Systems
o Function: Store and manage files, making them accessible to network users.
o Use Case: Common in organizations for centralized document storage and
sharing.
o Example: A corporate file server that stores all company documents.
Print Servers:
o Function: Manage printers and handle print jobs from network clients.
o Use Case: Centralizes printing resources, allowing multiple users to share
printers.
o Example: A school’s print server that manages all print jobs from student and
staff computers.
Web Servers:
o Function: Host websites and serve web pages to users over the internet or
intranet.
o Use Case: Critical for businesses with an online presence, enabling users to
access web content.
o Example: An e-commerce site’s web server that handles online transactions and
product displays.
Database Servers:
o Function: Manage databases and handle requests for data from other network
devices.
o Use Case: Store and retrieve large amounts of structured data efficiently.
o Example: A financial institution's database server that manages customer
account information.
Mail Servers:
o Function: Handle the sending, receiving, and storage of email messages.
o Use Case: Facilitates corporate email communication within an organization.
o Example: A company's mail server that manages employee email accounts and
distribution lists.
DNS Servers:
Server Network and Operating Systems
o Function: Resolve domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access
websites using human-readable names.
o Use Case: Essential for internet browsing, as it translates URLs into the IP
addresses needed for routing.
o Example: Google’s public DNS server, which helps user’s access websites more
efficiently.
3. Client-Server Architecture
Definition:
o A computing model where multiple clients (end-user devices) request and
receive services from a centralized server.
o The server hosts resources and services, such as files, applications, or databases,
and provides them to clients upon request.
How It Works:
o Request: A client sends a request to the server, typically over a network (e.g.,
retrieving a web page).
o Processing: The server processes the request, accessing its resources as needed
(e.g., querying a database).
o Response: The server sends the requested data or service back to the client (e.g.,
delivering the requested web page).
Advantages:
o Centralized Control: Easier to manage resources, security, and updates.
o Resource Sharing: Efficient use of resources, as multiple clients can access the
same server.
o Scalability: Servers can be scaled up (adding more resources) or scaled out
(adding more servers) as demand grows.
Examples:
o Web Browsing: A web browser (client) requests a page from a web server, which
processes the request and returns the page.
o Email: An email client requests new messages from a mail server, which
retrieves and sends them.
4. Peer-to-Peer vs. Client-Server Models
Server Network and Operating Systems
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model:
o Definition: A decentralized network model where each device (peer) acts as both
a client and a server.
o Characteristics:
No Central Server: Each peer can share resources directly with other
peers.
Resource Distribution: Resources are distributed among all peers, rather
than centralized.
Example: File-sharing networks like BitTorrent, where users download
and upload files to and from other users.
o Advantages:
Reduced Costs: No need for expensive server hardware or maintenance.
Resilience: The network is less likely to fail, as there’s no single point of
failure.
o Disadvantages:
Security: More difficult to enforce security policies across all peers.
Management: Harder to manage and control compared to centralized
systems.
Client-Server Model:
o Definition: A centralized network model where clients request services, and
dedicated servers provide them.
o Characteristics:
Central Server: Resources and services are managed by one or more
central servers.
Clear Roles: Clients and servers have distinct roles, with servers providing
resources and clients consuming them.
Example: A corporate network where employees use client computers to
access a central file server.
o Advantages:
Centralized Management: Easier to manage resources, security, and
access control.
Server Network and Operating Systems
Scalability: Can easily scale by adding more servers or upgrading existing
ones.
o Disadvantages:
Cost: Requires investment in server hardware, software, and
maintenance.
Single Point of Failure: If the central server fails, clients may lose access
to services.
