Servers have become an integral part of businesses across industries. Whether it’s an educational institution or an MNC, we all require different types of servers. That’s because servers help in numerous ways, such as storage or communication functions, with the option of being physical or virtual.
Physical servers are devices that process the server’s computing requests. A data center houses physical servers where each server type is peculiar according to its function. Virtual servers are computer programs that provide computing resources to another computer program or client.
A virtual server is similar to a physical server. While operating a virtual server in the cloud, you have a physical infrastructure for physical servers. Aside from this, a virtual server has every feature and function of physical servers in operating systems and applications. We will walk through the various types of servers for enhanced functionality.
Table of Content
- What Are Servers?
- Different Types of Servers
- Benefits of Servers
- RedSwitches: The Trusted Provider of High-Quality Servers
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
What Are Servers?
Servers are computer essentials, whether physical or virtual, used in a computing environment to handle various server functions. In a computing environment, there is a relationship between connected computers called the client-server relationship.
The client is an individual computer that makes requests on the network, while the server is the central computer that responds to requests from client computers. This relationship allows for a smooth operation flow in an interconnected computing environment.
While a server type hosts content-heavy websites or manages multiple client queries, another is responsible for setting up a shareable platform for network devices. Similarly, some servers manage network resources by regulating a user’s activities on a particular network or website. Some others are excellent at calculations and statistical analysis. These functions would lead to the next section in the article, where you see the server types.
Different Servers Types
Servers have different functionalities that cater to separate client needs, scalability preferences, space constraints, and management requirements. Here are some server types based on the specific needs of a computing environment.
Dedicated Servers
A dedicated server is a type that only allows one company or client to access its application and services. It bears the word “dedicated” because no other client aside, the one client can share server resources like RAM, CPU, or storage abilities.
As a client, the dedicated server operates according to your choices. After the hosting company installs your preferred operating system services, it adds services you may not get with other server types, such as regular operating system updates, applications updates and monitoring, firewall maintenance, strict security measures, data backups, and disaster recovery plans.
Benefits
- Dedicated servers guarantee better performance with fewer risks of network crashes.
- Reduced susceptibility to cyber threats.
- Dedicated servers come at flexible prices, just according to your needs. The prices generally start from $100 and above.
Limitations
- Although the prices are flexible but higher than other server types. The fact that you enjoy full exclusive resources without sharing automatically makes it expensive.
- You may need to spend extra money on experienced personnel to operate some dedicated server packages.
When to Use Dedicated Servers
You may not use a dedicated server now. However, when your website proliferates, a dedicated server will accommodate your expanse with custom control and better performance. Other server forms will cause a drop in performance when your traffic increases, which could be detrimental to your company profile. Also, if you have security concerns with other server types, opt for a dedicated server.
Virtual Private Servers (VPS)
A virtual private server simulates a dedicated server by giving one client a server, but, in reality, the hosting provider shares the server among several clients. In simpler terms, it is like having a room to yourself in a big house. VPS allows you to choose your operating system, application, and services. However, while dedicated servers could be physical, VPS are virtual.
You can regard VPS as a cost-effective version of the dedicated server. This is because VPS hosting gives you similar exclusive resources at a much lower cost.
VPS functions using a virtualization technology that creates and allows the server’s operating system to be available to several users. Users can install their operating system and services from a single virtual server.
Benefits
- VPS is faster. It offers a more reliable performance than a shared hosting server.
- VPS reduces the risks of traffic surges of other servers and gives you full control of your server.
Limitation
- Although VPS is reliable, it is technically demanding. Installing requires the right technical know-how, as improperly configured servers are prone to security breaches.
When to Use VPS
Generally, it is advisable to use VPS from the onset of your company, especially if you offer services that include payment and prioritize privacy. Nevertheless, if you already use a shared server, you can switch to VPS when your company grows.
Shared Servers
A shared server allows multiple users to use its resources, such as RAM, CPU, and other computing services. Usually, the hosting provider shares the resources of a single physical server among many clients. This is one of the most affordable server types, such that at a low price, you are allotted bandwidth and disk space sufficient for your workload. If you have a small business or a website with low traffic, your workload will be minimal, allowing you to share resources with other clients.
Benefits
- A shared server is less expensive. Clients share the server resources while splitting the cost of operation and maintenance.
- If you don’t have the technical knowledge for server integration and management, a shared server is your best bet.
Limitations
- Sharing server resources can compromise your network performance. The number of clients on a particular server can increase the workload and reduce efficiency.
- The shared server does not allow for customization and control of the computing resources.
- There is a higher susceptibility of clients using shared servers to cyber attacks.
When to Use Shared Servers
Shared hosting is your server type if you are a startup company with limited capital. Also, a shared server is a viable option if you are a business owner who only wishes to maintain an online presence without technical knowledge.
Cloud Servers
A company that hosts cloud servers, or cloud-based servers, offers server resources from the cloud. They are virtual server types that a limited number of clients can access.
Cloud servers run on a similar technology to VPS, virtualization. The virtualization process abstracts combined resources from physical servers to create virtual servers. These virtual resources are then delivered online for single or public use.
Cloud-based servers are ideal for a business with fluctuating data needs. It can scale up in the event of your company’s growth and adjust in scale-down events.
Consider the delay that may occur if you wait until you get to the office before you can work. Cloud server removes this barrier by enabling you to work from home or anywhere. It is so flexible that you need not maintain the traditional work routine and infrastructure maintenance.
Benefits
- Cloud servers eliminate the expense of acquiring and maintaining physical infrastructure.
- It is highly scalable and flexible.
- Minimal data loss in case of unforeseen events, thanks to disaster recovery plans.
- A high performance and speed rate.
Limitation
- Lack of server control. If a client experiences a network failure, they must wait for the hosting provider to fix it.
When to Use Cloud Servers
If your business allows work-from-home, you are most likely using a cloud server already. Small companies that foresee massive growth shortly should opt for cloud servers. Also, this server type is best for mission-critical or high-security workloads. Examples of clouds include Microsoft Azure, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
Colocation Servers
A Colocation provider hosts the physical servers of companies in its data center. It is also known as server housing or server homing. While leashing its space, it provides power, bandwidth, physical security, cooling systems, and server maintenance.
Setting up physical servers in your company could be time-consuming and expensive. With colocation, you can save the space and cost of running physical servers. Just like dedicated servers, you have exclusive control of your servers. You can control every aspect of computing, including compliance with government regulations.
Benefits
- It is cost-effective.
- Strong security is available for your servers through the colocation host.
- Your servers can run 24/7 at the host site, increasing uptime.
- Colocation housing is easily scalable. When you need to increase your server capacity, purchase more rental space.
Limitation
- If your rental space is far away, you may spend more on travel costs.
When to Use Colocation Servers
Colocation housing suits you if you can’t manage a physical data center but have the budget. The host will maintain and safeguard your servers at a price.
Benefits of Servers
The server types serve different functions. However, all servers have similar benefits to a business. Here are some advantages of having a server in your company.
Granting Clients Requests
A server is like a computer that processes all client requests, from data applications to storage requests. Servers also manage the transfer of data and information between clients and servers.
Reliability
Servers are a higher version of computers. While computers may have frequent downtimes, servers are reliable. They ensure that essential computing resources are always available whenever you need them. Servers also allow for administrative operations. You can idle servers to rest to save energy for the online servers.
Scalability
Servers can adapt to the size of your business. If there is a need for storage upgrades, faster speeds, and better performance, servers make those possible with ease. Amazingly, it can scale up or down without replacing older machines.
Safeguard from Cyberattacks
Servers are also crucial as they protect your network from cyber-attacks. Each time a client requests, the server verifies the IP address before granting such a request. The server can block such clients from the system if there are signs of suspicion.
Collaboration
Servers allow for collaboration among different system users. When company data is available on a server, members can easily share, have access to the same information and collaborate on specific projects.
RedSwitches: The Trusted Provider of High-Quality Servers
RedSwitches comes first in the business of server hosting. We utilize cutting-edge technologies to create robust, secure, and reliable systems.
Redswitches dedicated server solutions offer:
Security: We cherish the safety of your data, and as such, we have strong security tools, including data encryption, firewalls, and disaster recovery plans.
High Performance: Our hosting services provide full support and the resources required for your company’s high performance. We have expert IT solutions to keep your infrastructure running for as long as you want.
Cost-effective Services: Our server takes up the stress that your network ought to take. This saves you the cost of system maintenance. And our prices are affordable. Whatever budget you come with, you will get the server type that best suits your company.
All our services are reliable, and our clientele list is proof of that. If you need to speak with a representative, we have exceptional customer support and experience in helping small, medium, and large businesses grow. The team is available 24/7 that will respond to all your questions.
Key Takeaways
- A server is a computer essential that processes clients’ requests in an interconnected computing system.
- There are different server types, including dedicated servers, VPS, Shared servers, and cloud servers.
- Each server serves a different function per client’s business needs.
- A company can use a physical, virtual, or cloud server.
- Servers are reliable and scalable and ensure seamless computing performance.
In conclusion, server types differ according to their functions. Before choosing a server type, ensure that you understand your business. Then, you can choose a type that corresponds and suffices to your business needs.
Now you know all about the different types of servers. If you need a new or upgraded server system, our team of IT experts will provide tailored solutions and personalized ones. Easily reach us by sending an instant message or sending an email.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q-1) What are the different server types?
Server types vary according to their function. Some common types are mail servers, shared servers, cloud servers, and virtual servers.
Q-2) What are the main functions of a server?
The primary function of a server is to share data, information, and other computing resources for your company.
Q-3) What is a server with an example?
A server is a computing system similar to a computer but offers advanced functionality to users. A typical example is the cloud servers that offer services over the internet.
Q-4) What are the four significant components of a server?
A server has four main components: a motherboard, Central Processing Unit, Random Access Memory, and a hard drive.
Q-5) What are the advantages of a server?
A server’s several advantages include computing resources, which could be hardware and software for your business, whether small, medium, or large.
