15 Different Types of Servers in Computing

A server is a computer program or equipment that offers a service to another

computer program and its users, referred to collectively as the clients. The
physical system that a server program runs on is sometimes referred to as a
server in a data center. That machine may be a dedicated server, or it could
be utilized for anything else. In a client/server programming architecture, a
server program waits for requests from client programs, which could be
running on the same machine or on a different one. One program on a
computer can act as both a client and a server when other programs ask for
its services. The usage of servers may be defined as providing data to users.
Servers can be used to manage a network, share files or programs, host
databases, and host web pages and e-mail.

The server is similar to personal computers. Its components are the

processor (CPU), memory (RAM), and hard disk. Servers contain hardware
and programs that are tailored to their intended function. As a result, the
target server type is determined by the intended purpose.

In this article, we will outline the most prevalent types of servers used today.
The most widely used types of servers are as follows:

1. Web Server
2. Database Server
3. Email Server
4. Web Proxy Server
5. DNS Server
6. FTP Server
7. File Server
8. DHCP Server
9. Cloud Server
10. Application Server
11. Print Server
12. NTP Server
13. Radius Server
14. Syslog Server
 15. Physical Server

Figure 1. Types of Servers

1. Web Server
The server that is in charge of publishing a website on the internet is known
as a web server. A server that provides hosting, also called "hosting", over
the internet protocol is called a web server. The renting of space required to
publish Web pages on the Internet is referred to as "hosting". Hosting means
putting pages, images, or documents meant for a website on a computer
that internet users use to access them. Apache, Microsoft's Internet
Information Server (IIS), and Nginx are the most popular web servers on the
Internet.

The data for each site you see on the internet is stored on another host, and
software called Web Server. Web Server is used to efficiently use this
computer. Web servers are typically made up of numerous software
packages. Each of these software packages aids in the control of various
functions. For example, the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) package that comes
with web server software helps the server do FTP tasks. Similarly, numerous
packages are available to perform a variety of tasks, such as serving emails,
fulfilling download requests, and publishing web pages over HTTP.

The most common web servers are as follows:

  Apache HTTP Server: The Apache Software Foundation created the
world's most popular web server. Apache is an open-source web server
that can be installed on Linux, Unix, Windows, FreeBSD, Mac OS X, and
many other operating systems. The Apache Web Server is used by
over 60% of web server computers.

 Internet Information Services: Microsoft's Internet Information

Server (IIS) is a high-performance Web server.
 Lighttpd: Lighttpd, pronounced lighty, is a free web server that comes
with the FreeBSD operating system. This open-source web server is
quick, safe, and uses far less CPU power. Lighttpd may also be run on
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris.
 Nginx: Nginx Web Server is a critical component in the client-server
computing environment, providing business-critical information to
client systems. Like Lighttpd, it is an open-source web server that is
known for being fast and needing few resources and time to set up. It
is mostly used for caching, streaming media, load balancing, managing
static files, auto-indexing, and other similar tasks. Nginx handles
requests on a single thread, employing an asynchronous technique
rather than generating new processes for each request made by the
user.
 Sun Java System Web Server: Sun Microsystems' web server is
designed for medium and large websites. The server is free, but it is
not open source. It, on the other hand, runs on Windows, Linux, and
Unix platforms. The Sun Java System web server supports a wide range
of Web 2.0 languages, scripts, and technologies, including JSP, Java
Servlets, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby on Rails, ASP, and Coldfusion.

2. Database Server
A database server manages a database and provides database services to
clients. The server manages data access and retrieval as well as the
completion of client requests. A database server is a computer that runs
database software and is dedicated to providing database services. A
database server is made up of hardware and software that is used to run a
database.

Database servers have a variety of applications. Among them are:

 Dealing with large amounts of data regularly. Database servers shine

in client-server architectures where clients process data frequently.
  Managing the DBMS's (database management system) recovery and
security. Database servers enforce the constraints specified in the
DBMS. The server manages and controls all clients connected to it, as
well as all database access and control requests.
 Concurrent access control is provided. Database servers provide a
multi-user environment in which multiple users can access the
database at the same time while maintaining security and concealing
the DBMS from clients.
 Application and non-database file storage Database servers are a
much more efficient solution for some organizations than file servers.

Most database servers use the client-server model. They get requests from
client devices and their users and then send back the response that was
asked for. Database servers are powerful machines that can connect to
multiple databases and serve resources to clients, sometimes with the help
of application servers and web servers that act as middlemen. Databases, for
example, can provide resources to clients in the absence of a web or
application server (usually on-premises).

What are the Database Server Examples?

Here are a few well-known examples of database servers.

 Oracle: Oracle is the most commonly used database for object-

relational database administration, and the most recent version is 12c
(12 Cloud Computing). It supports various Linux, Windows, and UNIX
versions.

 IBM DB2: IBM DB2 was designed in C, C++, and Assembly and was
initially released in 1983. Its setup and installation procedures are
straightforward, as is data access. As a result, it aids in the storing of
large volumes of data, up to petabytes.
 Microsoft SQL Server: This server was first introduced in 1989. It is
written in several languages, including Assembly, C, Linux, and C++. It
can run Linux and Windows. It enables multiple users to use the same
database at the same time.
 MySQL: MySQL is becoming more popular for many web-based
applications. It is available as both a freeware and a premium edition.
 SAP HANA: It was created by SAP SE and can manage both SAP and
non-SAP data. It is capable of supporting OLTP, OLAP, and SQL. It can
communicate with a wide range of different apps.
  MS Access: It is only compatible with Microsoft Windows. Because this
database management system is inexpensive, it is commonly used for
e-commerce websites.

3. Email Server
A mail server, also known as an email server, is a computer system that
sends and receives emails. When you send an email, it passes through
several servers before arriving at its destination. While this process is quick
and efficient, there is a significant amount of complexity involved in sending
and receiving emails.

For a computer to work as a mail server, mail server software must be

installed on it. The system administrator then uses this software to create
and manage email accounts for any of the domains hosted on the server.
Aside from that, you have protocols. Protocols are network software rules
that enable computers to connect to networks from anywhere, allowing you
to shop online, send emails, and so on.

Mail servers are classified into two types: outgoing mail servers and
incoming mail servers. SMTP, or Simple Messages Transfer Protocol, servers
handle outgoing mail. Incoming mail servers are classified into two groups.
Messages are kept on the server while using IMAP. When using POP3,
messages are often stored on a device, such as your computer or mobile
phone. IMAP, in general, is more complicated and adaptable than POP3.

 SMTP: The SMTP protocol handles all incoming mail and sends emails.
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and refers to the
outgoing mail server. Consider SMTP to be the transport of your email
across networks. Your emails would be useless without them.

 IMAP / POP: There are two types of incoming mail servers-POP3 and
IMAP. Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) servers are well-known for
getting your computer's Inbox contents. IMAP servers, which stand for
Internet Message Access Protocol, are used for one-way mailbox
synchronization. IMAP is used as an additional protocol retrieval
application on a mail server. And, while there are newer POP versions
with more functionality, the recommended protocol remains POP3
since it is straightforward, has a high success rate, and gets the job
done with the fewest problems. You can even download your emails
and read them offline. Your email would not reach your machine if one
of these protocols was not functioning properly.

How Email Server Works

A mail server, in its most basic form, collects email and forwards it to its
intended recipients. It can be thought of as a computer serving as an e-mail
office, allowing control of e-mail transmission over a network using various
protocols. How an e-mail server works are explained below:

1. Making a connection to the SMTP server: When you send an

email, your email service or provider will connect to the SMTP server,
such as Gmail, Exchange, Office 365, Expert Mail, or Zimbra. This SMTP
server is associated with your domain and has a unique address. At
this point, your email provider will send crucial information to the SMTP
server, such as your email address, message body, and recipient's
email address.

2. Taking care of the recipient's email domain: The SMTP server

identifies and processes the recipient's email address in this phase. If
you email someone else within your firm, the message will be sent
directly to the IMAP or POP3 server. If you are sending the message to
another company, the SMTP server must speak with the email server of
that company.
3. Determining the IP address of the recipient: At this point, your
SMTP server needs to connect to the recipient's server using DNS
(Domain Name System). DNS functions similarly to a translation
mechanism. It aids in the conversion of the recipient's domain name
into an IP address. To function effectively, SMTP requires an IP address
to forward the message to the recipient's server.
4. Email delivery: Everything is not as straightforward as it appears. In
general, your email will be routed through several SMTP servers before
arriving at the recipient's SMTP server. When the recipient receives the
email, SMTP validates it before forwarding it to the IMAP or POP3
server. The email is then processed in a queue until it is available for
the recipient to access.

4. Web Proxy Server

People rarely consider how complicated the internet is. The threat of crimes
such as identity theft and data security breaches is growing. To protect
themselves, many people employ proxy servers or Virtual Private Networks
(VPN). A proxy server is a web server that serves as a conduit between a
client program, such as a browser, and the actual server. It sends queries to
the accurate server on the client's behalf and sometimes fulfills the claim
itself. Web proxy servers offer two key functions: they filter requests and
increase performance. In addition, there are reverse proxy servers that
reside between web servers and web clients. Requests from web clients are
routed through reverse proxy servers to web servers. They are used to cache
pictures and pages to drastically minimize the strain on web servers.

There are various reasons why an individual or company may use web proxy
servers. Limit internet access. You can control and keep an eye on your kids'
internet use as an individual by using proxy servers. It operates by blocking
undesirable websites and preventing access to pornographic content. Proxy
servers are also used by businesses to block and regulate internet access.
They use this to keep employees from surfing the web while at work.
Alternatively, they track all web requests, which shows which websites
employees visit and how much time they spend online.

Benefits of using a web proxy server are as follows:

 More privacy: By altering your IP address and other identifying data

on your computer, proxy servers allow you to access the internet more
discreetly. Proxy servers protect your personal information, so the
server does not know who made the request, keeping your surfing
activity and browser history secret.

 Access to restricted websites: Material providers restricts their

content for a variety of reasons, including location, which is effectively
the IP addresses. A web proxy server, on the other hand, allows you to
log on to a restricted service by making it appear that you are at a
different location.
 Improved performance and bandwidth savings: Using effective
web proxy servers, businesses may save bandwidth and increase
loading rates. To preserve the most recent copy of a website, proxy
servers cache pictures and web data. Caches enable a proxy server to
obtain the most recent copy of popular sites, saving traffic and
improving network efficiency.
 Enhanced Security: Efficient proxy servers encrypt your online
requests to keep them safe from prying eyes and to safeguard your
transactions. Proxy servers are used to avoid attacks from known
malware sites. VPNs are also used by businesses to boost security and
allow remote users to access the company network. Web proxy servers
are important in cybersecurity for both individuals and organizations.

What are the Best Web Proxy Servers?

The most popular and greatest web proxy servers are as follows:

 SmartProxy: Best for quickly configuring proxies in Firefox and

Chrome. Smartproxy provides a home proxy network that allows you to
send an infinite number of connection requests at the same time. This
 enables your scraper to quickly visit a large number of web pages. You
can create a different proxy user for each job. Each of these proxy
users will have their login information. This service makes it extremely
simple to set up proxies. Smartproxy provides extensive
documentation that covers everything you'll need to know about
setting up and installing proxies.

 Bright Data: Ideal for creating data-driven business decisions since it

aids in the unlocking of any website and the collection of reliable data.
Bright Data includes a Proxy Manager that allows you to manage all of
your proxies from a single interface. The Proxy Manager is a free and
open-source application. It includes scraping capabilities. Bright Data
provides Data Center Proxies, ISP Proxies, Residential Proxies, Mobile
Proxies, Web Unlocker, and other solutions.
 HMA: Best for browsing anonymously. For anonymous browsing, HMA
offers a free proxy server. It enables access to banned websites from
anywhere in the world and includes features like private browsing in a
single tab, IP masking in a single tab, and safe online banking on any
network, among others. We may use it on any device, making online
games and apps safer.
 Whoer: The best tool for fast-changing IP addresses and unblocking
websites for free. Whoer provides web proxy, Internet speed testing,
online ping test checker, domain & IP verification, and DNS leak testing
services. Its web proxy provides a quick and free solution to change
your IP address, unblock websites, and acquire web anonymity.
Services are available in various countries.
 Hide.me: The best VPN for speed and privacy protection. Hide.me is a
web proxy service that offers apps for all platforms as well as secure
VPN protocols. It adheres to a stringent no-logs policy. The premium
edition includes dynamic port forwarding, a fixed IP address, and
streaming capability. It offers a free browser extension for Firefox and
Chrome.

5. DNS Server
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the Internet's telephone directory. DNS is
responsible for finding the correct IP address for websites when users enter
their domain names, such as 'google.com' or 'nytimes.com,' into web
browsers.

The addresses are then used by browsers to communicate with origin

servers or CDN edge servers to access website information. All this is
possible by DNS servers, which are specialized machines for answering DNS
queries.
To resolve names, the DNS system has resolving systems. Name resolvers
are used to find IP addresses associated with domain names. DNS clients are
the people who use resolvers. A DNS system can have many name resolvers.
As a result, if one of them becomes incapacitated, the others take over and
ensure that communication is not disrupted.

When you type a domain name into your browser and log in, your browser
first asks your operating system for the domain name, which does not
answer. Then it asks your modem and continues to ask until it reaches the
Internet service provider and the main DNS servers.

If the matching DNS server database contains an equivalent of this domain

name, it will respond to the IP address, and your browser will get this
response in a fraction of a second and speak with the server where the
relevant domain name is hosted. The data transfer then begins, and the
required webpage is displayed in your browser.

In an uncached DNS query, four servers collaborate to supply an IP address

to the client: recursive resolvers, root nameservers, TLD nameservers, and
authoritative nameservers. The DNS recursor (also called the DNS resolver)
is a server that accepts the DNS client's query and then contacts other DNS
servers to locate the proper IP address. When the resolver receives the
client's request, it acts like a client, contacting the other three types of DNS
servers in search of the correct IP address. The resolver begins by querying
the root nameserver. The root server is the first step in converting human-
readable names to IP addresses (resolving). The root server then responds to
the resolver by supplying the address of a top-level domain (TLD) DNS server
(such as.com or.net) that includes data for its domains.

6. FTP Server
FTP is a network protocol that is used to transfer files between a client and a
server on a computer network. FTP is a well-known protocol that was
developed in the 1970s to allow two computers to transfer data over the
internet. One computer serves as the server, storing information, while the
other serves as the client, sending or requesting files from the server. The
FTP protocol's primary mode of communication is normally port 21.
On port 21, an FTP server will accept client connections. FTP servers, as well
as the more secure SFTP Server software, carry out two basic functions:
"Put" and "Get."

An FTP Server is useful if you have remote employees who need to submit
non-confidential material (such as timesheets), or if you wish to allow your
clients to obtain white papers and documentation. If you're transferring non-
sensitive data with a business partner who requires FTP or SFTP, you can
rapidly set up a server to accept their data transfer. Some people even
utilize FTP servers for offsite backup so they can access their data if
something happens to their files physically.

Furthermore, backup apps frequently write to an FTP or SFTP Server; for

example, if you are backing up your Cisco Unified Call Manager (CUCM), the
data must be backed up to an SFTP Server, such as Titan FTP Server.

FTP Server is defined as an infrastructure that enables organizations with

various file transmission options. FTP servers, which have numerous
advantages in this regard, are particularly appealing to organizations looking
to enhance their multimedia experience. In addition to options such as quick
file transmission and integrated usage options, the following are the
highlights of FTP server advantages:

 Options for Effective File Sharing: Businesses that put up FTP

infrastructure speed up file transfer between business machines via
their clients. Devices have multimedia capabilities that allow them to
communicate efficiently with one another. As a result, needless data
transfer stages are disabled.

 Providing Data Security: Because FTP performs all data transfer

activities through the in-house client, it also protects against
outside cybersecurity breaches. The fact that the client in the company
communicates with the company devices across the common network
also aids in isolating the network from external variables.
 Interaction across a Common Network: Another significant benefit
of an FTP server for organizations is that it enables devices to connect
in an integrated manner across a single network. As a result, the
company's gadgets can communicate indefinitely with the client. As a
result, communication between company devices continues at its
peak.

7. File Server
A file server is a central server in a computer network that serves file
systems or portions of file systems to clients connected to the network. As a
result, file servers provide users with a central storage location for files on
internal data media that is available to all authorized clients. The server
administrator establishes rigorous guidelines for which users have which
access rights: For example, the configuration or file authorizations of the
individual file system allow the admin to specify which files a certain user or
user group may access and open, as well as whether data can only be seen
or additionally added, altered, or deleted.
Users can access files over the local network as well as remotely when file
servers are linked to the internet and set up properly. This allows users to
view and store files on the file server when they are on the move. All current
operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or macOS, can be used on a file
server, but the network devices must be compatible with the operating
system. However, file servers are used for more than just file storage and
administration. They are also frequently used as a backup server and as a
repository for applications that must be available to numerous network
members.

Clients can only access a distant file system through file servers. They can
hold any form of material, such as executables, documents, images, or
movies. They typically store data as binary blobs or files. This implies they
don't do any further indexing or processing on the files they store. However,
there may be other plugins or server operations that can give additional
functionalities. A file server does not have built-in methods for interacting
with data and relies on the client to do so. Because databases only deal with
structured data that is retrieved via a query, they are not considered file
servers.

File servers usually incorporate extra capabilities that allow several users to
use them at the same time: Permission management is used to control who
has access to certain files and who has the authority to alter or delete them.
Locking a file prevents several people from editing the same file at the same
time. Resolution of conflicts; preservation of data integrity in the case of file
overwriting. By duplicating data to numerous servers in different places, a
distributed file system may make data redundant and highly accessible.

For many businesses, employing a file server is worthwhile for a variety of

reasons. The first advantage is, obviously, centrality, which assures that any
authorized network participant has access to the stored data.

This enables collaborative work on certain files. Conflicts between multiple

versions of a document may be virtually eliminated since certain operations,
such as editing or deleting, are disabled for other users as soon as you
access a file. If users have to share the needed files on their system or send
them via removable media, it will be significantly more time-consuming and
inconvenient - and it will almost certainly result in different file versions.

Another significant benefit of employing file servers is that it alleviates the

burden on client resources. Except for personal papers, almost all corporate
data and backups can be saved on the file server, depending on how the
organization intends to use the file repository. And, with the proper
arrangement (directories, folders, etc.), users get a far better perspective of
the full file inventory.
If the file server is set up for remote access through the internet, the files are
also available on the go, similar to an online storage service. Unlike cloud
service, however, the organization maintains complete control over the files
and their security at all times. This is a significant benefit over third-party
solutions.

8. DHCP Server
A DHCP Server is a network server that gives and assigns IP addresses,
default gateways, and other network information to client devices on an
automatic basis. To reply to client broadcast inquiries, it uses the standard
protocol known as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP.

A DHCP server automatically sends the network parameters required for

clients to communicate successfully on the network. Without it, the network
administrator must manually configure each client that connects to the
network, which can be time-consuming, especially in big networks.

DHCP servers typically assign a unique dynamic IP address to each client,

which changes when the client's lease for that IP address expires.

Each device connected to the Internet on an IP network must be allocated a

unique IP address. DHCP allows network managers to centrally monitor and
assign IP addresses. When a computer is relocated, it can automatically give
a new IP address to it. DHCP automates the process of allocating IP
addresses, reducing both the time necessary for device configuration and
deployment and the likelihood of configuration errors. A DHCP server can
also manage the setups of several network segments. When a network
segment's configuration changes, an administrator merely needs to update
the relevant settings on the DHCP server.

Configuration of a dependable IP address. DHCP reduces manual IP address

configuration problems, such as typographical errors, and address conflicts
caused by assigning an IP address to more than one computer at the same
time. Network administration has been simplified. To reduce network
administration, DHCP supports the following features:

 TCP/IP configuration is centralized and automated. The ability to define

TCP/IP setups from a single point of contact.

 The ability to use DHCP to assign a wide variety of additional TCP/IP

configuration parameters. The efficient management of IP address
changes for clients that need to be updated often, such as portable
devices that roam across a wireless network.

9. Cloud Server
A cloud server is a pooled, centralized server resource that is hosted and
distributed across a network -typically the Internet- and may be accessed by
multiple users on demand. Cloud servers provide all of the same services as
traditional physical servers, including processing power, storage, and
applications. Cloud servers can be situated anywhere in the world and
provide remote services via a cloud computing environment. Traditional
dedicated server hardware, on the other hand, is often installed on premises
for the sole use of one firm.

Because any software issue is isolated from your environment, a cloud

server is used. Other cloud servers will have no impact on yours, and vice
versa. In contrast to physical servers, another user overloading their cloud
server does not influence your cloud server. Cloud servers are dependable,
fast, and secure. Because they do not have the hardware issues that physical
servers do, they are likely to be the most stable alternative for firms that
want to keep their IT expenditure as low as possible. Cloud servers provide
greater service at a lower cost. You'll get more resources and faster service
than you would with an equivalent physical server. It is relatively simple and
quick to upgrade by adding memory and storage space, and it is also less
expensive.

10. Application Server

An application server is software that runs on the server and is written by a
server programmer to provide business logic for any application. This server
might be part of a network or a dispersed network. Server programs are
typically used to give services to client programs that are either on the same
system or a network. Application servers reduce traffic while increasing
security. It is not possible to achieve ideal web server agility by handling
both HTTP requests from web clients and passing or storing resources from
numerous websites. Application servers fill this need with a powerful
architecture designed to handle dynamic online content requests.

Application servers provide programs with protection and redundancy. The

task of conserving and replicating application architecture across the
network becomes more achievable once deployed between a database and a
web server. The extra step between potentially harmful web connections and
the database server's crown jewels offers an extra degree of security.
Because application servers can handle business logic queries, an attempted
SQL injection is more difficult. Some of the advantages of Application Servers
can be listed as follows:

 Provides a framework for managing all components and operating

services such as session management and synchronous and
asynchronous client notifications. It becomes incredibly simple to
install programs in one location.
  Any configuration change, such as changing the Database server, may
be made centrally from a single place. They make it simple to deliver
patches and security upgrades.
 It allows you to route requests to other servers based on their
availability. Load balancing is used to accomplish this.
 It ensures the security of applications. It allows for fault tolerance as
well as recovery/failover recovery.
 It saves us a lot of time if we have to install a duplicate of settings on
each machine manually. It has transaction support.
 Because it is built on the client-server concept, the application server
dramatically enhances application performance.

11. Print Server

A print server is a software program, network device, or computer that
manages print requests and provides end users and network administrators
with printer queue status information. Print servers are used in big business
networks as well as small or home office (SOHO) networks.

A single dedicated computer operating as a print server in a large firm

manages hundreds of printers. A print server in a small office is generally a
customized plug-in board or tiny network device the size of a hub that serves
the same function as a dedicated print server while freeing up critical disk
space on the workplace's limited number of PCs.

A print server, like other servers, works on the client-server architecture,

receiving and processing user requests. Physical print servers, as shown in
the diagram above, sit on the back end of an organization's network and
connect directly to network printers, retaining control over the print queue.
The print server handles devices to request information, such as file and
print requirements. While most printing occurs within workplace networks,
print servers are available to external network clients (typically via approved
login).

Print-server software can be deployed on a network file server or your

computer. UNIX-based operating systems such as Mac OS X and Linux, by
default, employ the CUPS, or Common UNIX Printing System, which includes
built-in print-server functionality. A print server can also be a single-purpose
network hardware device that connects to a printer directly. Some printers
include print-server technology that allows them to connect directly to a
network router or switch.

There are several ways to connect a printer to a print server. It might be

physically linked to a file server or client computer by a parallel, serial, or
USB connection. Dedicated network print-server hardware devices connect
to a printer directly through a parallel or USB connection and the network
wirelessly or by an RJ45, Ethernet cable connection. Printers with built-in
print-server hardware can connect to the network through wireless or
Ethernet.

Before your document is finally printed and ready for pickup, the print
server, and your computer's operating system must locate the printer you
want to use, establish a network communication path to it, package your
document into a data format that the printer can directly understand, send
the formatted data to the printer, and monitor the printer's progress as it
prints your document. Finally, it informs you whether or not the printing
procedure was successful. The printer drivers installed on your computer, as
well as network printing protocols such as IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) and
LPR (Line Printer Remote protocol), manage the complex, low-level details
for you.

While printers are slower output devices than hard drives or CD writers,
print-server software may compensate by keeping your document in a
temporary file called a spool and only sending out bits of your document at
the pace at which your printer can reliably handle them. If you send
numerous documents to the printer or if many users try to print at the same
time, print servers installed on network file servers can queue each page.
The printer server transmits documents in the queue to the printer in a
systematic, dependable, first-come, first-served manner.

12. NTP Server

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an internet protocol that is used to
synchronize with computer clock time sources in a network. It belongs to and
is one of the earliest components of the TCP/IP suite. The word NTP refers to
both the protocol and the client-server applications that operate on
computers. NTP was invented in 1981 by David Mills, a professor at the
University of Delaware. It is intended to be extremely fault-tolerant and
scalable, while also allowing temporal synchronization.

The NTP time synchronization procedure consists of three steps:

1. The NTP client conducts a time-request exchange with the NTP server.

2. The client may then determine the connection latency and its local
offset, as well as change its local time to match the clock on the
server's computer.
3. Typically, six exchanges over a five to ten-minute period are required
to set the clock.
Once synced, the client refreshes the clock approximately every 10 minutes,
needing only a single message exchange in addition to client-server
synchronization. This transaction takes place on port 123 of the User
Datagram Protocol (UDP). NTP also provides peer computer clock broadcast
synchronization.

Accurate time for all devices on a computer network is critical for several
reasons; even a fraction of a second difference can cause problems. The
following are some instances of how NTP is used:

 Coordinated times are required for distributed procedures to guarantee

proper sequences are followed.

 Consistent timekeeping across the network is required for security

procedures.
 File system changes performed across several machines rely on
synchronized clock times.
 To monitor performance and fix issues, network acceleration and
network management systems rely on the precision of timestamps.

13. Radius Server

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a networking
protocol that connects clients and servers. RADIUS is a computer network
authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) management
protocol. RADIUS is a UDP-based protocol that authenticates users using a
shared secret.

The RADIUS protocol employs a RADIUS Server and RADIUS Clients.

 RADIUS server: checks users' credentials against a database of

usernames and passwords. It also grants network resources access.

 RADIUS client: a network-connected device that provides its

credentials to the RADIUS server. After that, the RADIUS server
authenticates the client and returns authorization or access control
information to it. To establish an authenticated session, the RADIUS
server, and client exchange messages. This session is used for duties
such as authorization, bookkeeping, and others.

To authenticate remote users, a RADIUS server consults a central database.

When access is allowed, RADIUS acts as a client-server protocol,
authenticating each user with a unique encryption key. The particular nature
of the RADIUS ecosystem determines how a RADIUS server operates. An
overview of RADIUS servers is provided below.
 1. First, the user authenticates with the network access server (NAS).

2. The network access server will then request a username and password
or a challenge (CHAP).
3. The user responds.
4. When the RADIUS client receives the user's response, it sends the
username and the uniquely encrypted password to the RADIUS server.
5. The user is accepted or rejected by the RADIUS server.

RADIUS servers are well known for their AAA (Authentication, Authorization,
and Accounting) capabilities. The key benefits of a RADIUS server's
centralized AAA capabilities are increased security and efficiency. RADIUS
servers enable each firm to protect the privacy and security of both the
system and each user.

RADIUS Authentication Methods

The RADIUS server offers a variety of authentication techniques. When

supplied with the user's username and original password, it can support PAP,
CHAP, MS-CHAP, EAP, EAP TLS, UNIX login, and other authentication
protocols.

 PAP: Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) authentication configures

authentication using PPP configuration files and the PAP database. PAP
works similarly to the UNIX login software, however, PAP does not allow
the user shell access.

 CHAP: Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP)

authentication employs challenge and response, which means that the
authenticator challenges the caller (authenticates) to prove their
identity. The challenge includes the authenticator's unique ID and a
random number. The caller generates the answer (handshake) to send
to the peer using the ID, random number, and CHAP security
credentials.
 MS-CHAP: MS-CHAP is the Microsoft Challenge-Handshake
Authentication Protocol (CHAP). It is used as an authentication option
in Microsoft's PPTP protocol implementation for VPNs.
 EAP: Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is a wireless network
and point-to-point connection authentication mechanism.

14. Syslog Server

The System Logging Protocol (Syslog) is a standard message format used by
network devices to connect with a logging server. It was created primarily to
make monitoring network devices simple. Devices can use a Syslog agent to
send out notification messages under a variety of scenarios.

These log messages comprise a timestamp, a severity rating, a device ID

(including IP address), and event-specific information. Though it has flaws,
the Syslog protocol is extensively used because it is simple to construct and
very open-ended, allowing for a variety of proprietary implementations and
hence the ability to monitor practically any connected device.

The Syslog standard specifies three layers:

 Syslog Content Layer: This is the content in the event message. It

includes several data items such as facility codes and severity ratings.

 Syslog Application Layer: The message is generated, interpreted,

routed, and stored in this layer.
 Syslog Transport Layer: This layer is responsible for sending
messages across a network.

When debugging difficulties, log information is quite useful. For example, if

some users report a network outage, such as the recent Facebook,
WhatsApp, and Instagram outages, we can simply scan through all of the log
data to check if there were any difficulties. Data retention is another
advantage of centrally keeping log information. It can give temporary
information required to restore the system's previous status after a failure.

Syslog messages are transmitted through User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port
514. Because UDP is a connectionless protocol, messages are neither
acknowledged nor guaranteed to arrive. This can be a disadvantage, but it
also makes the system basic and easy to manage.

Syslog messages are frequently in human-readable format, but they do not

have to be. Each message has a priority level in its header, which is a mix of
code for the process of the device creating the message and a severity level.
The process codes, known as "facilities," are based on UNIX. Severity levels
vary from 0 (emergency) to 1 (urgent attention required), with informational
and debug messages falling somewhere in between. These two codes, when
combined, enable rapid classification of Syslog messages.

15. Physical Server

Some servers are solely utilized for specific functions. An application server,
for example, just hosts the webpage. Physical servers are easy to use for a
wide range of network tasks because of their software and hardware. Some
of those transactions are:

 Operating system updates

 Services for firewalls

 Anti-spam software
 Antivirus software
 Defense against DDoS assaults
 DNS hosting
 Intrusion detection
 SNMP management
 Database administration
 Backups and restoration
 Security Procedures