Server Guide to Advanced Hardware Support

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Server Guide to Advanced Hardware Support
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Chapter 1

• Defining a Server

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Learning Objectives

• Differentiate between peer-to-peer and
  client-server networking models
• Identify server functions and benefits
• Identify characteristics that distinguish server
  hardware from client hardware
• Identify three main types of servers

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Does Your Network Need a Server?

• Small organizations that only occasionally share
  resources may not need a server
• However, even a small organization may benefit
  from the increased performance and security of a
  server

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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models

• Multiple network devices in close proximity on
  the same network constitute a LAN

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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models

• In a peer-to-peer network each network device has
  equal authority
• Desktop computers are called workstations
• Objects that can be accessed across the network
  are called network resources (printers, files,
  etc.)

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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models
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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models

• Peer-to-peer networks can limit growth
• Peer-to-peer networks lack file security
• Windows 2000 requires stored user accounts on
  each workstation
• With no centralized location for user accounts,
  management of them can become very time-consuming

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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models
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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models

• Characteristics of a peer-to-peer network
• Small number of computers
• Limited growth potential
• Decentralized file management
• Minimal security
• Simple to configure
• Least expensive networking option

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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models

• Client-server model
• Server is typically more powerful than a
  workstation (client)
• Server has a network operating system (NOS)
  installed (Windows 2000, NetWare, etc.)
• Clients request and receive services from the
  server
• File server stores files on behalf of network
  clients

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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models

• Advantages of a file server
• Version control
• Backup
• Security
• Availability
• Integrity

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Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Models

• Servers
• Possess more processing power than workstations
  (usually)
• Use a network operating system (NOS)
• Provide central file storage
• Are capable of more simultaneous connections than
  a workstation
• Offer security features
• Provide centralized administration

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Services - a service is a function of a NOS that
  provides server functions and benefits to the
  network
• For example, e-mailing, and Web services

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Security
• authentication

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Security
• access can be granted to groups, instead of each
  individual user

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Security
• emerging technologies such as smart cards can
  be used

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Security
• after a user is authenticated, permissions
  specify what the user can do with certain
  resources

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Performance is better on servers due to faster
  and more numerous processors, and greater hard
  drive capacity

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Performance - Processor
• Clock speed
• Data bus
• Cache

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Performance - Hard disk
• Servers can implement multiple hard disk as a
  single logical disk
• Buffers
• Access time
• Interface

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Storage capabilities - the use of file servers
  allows administrators to increase storage
  capacity more easily than on individual
  workstations
• Servers generally have more space than
  workstations

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Access to applications
• Network applications are server-based programs
• Back-end applications run on the server
• Front-end applications run on the client
• Application servers allow the client to run a
  front-end application to access a back-end
  application

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Server Functions and Benefits
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Server Functions and Benefits

• Examples of network applications and services
• database applications
• e-mail services
• network management software
• remote access
• virtual private networks (VPNs)

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Centralized management - an administrator can
  administer the network from one location, without
  having to travel from one workstation to the next

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Server Functions and Benefits

• Cost effectiveness
• Storage - it is cheaper to upgrade one servers
  storage capabilities than that of multiple
  workstations
• Processors and memory - same argument as storage
• workstations can be made thin clients

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Server Functions and Benefits
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Server Functions and Benefits

• Cost effectiveness
• Savings, Efficiency, and Productivity - when
  proposing additional servers or software, you
  must justify the cost
• An example is firewall software

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Server Functions and Benefits
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Classes of Servers

• PC Servers
• Mainframes
• Minicomputers (Midrange computers)

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Classes of Servers

• PC Servers - can sit on a desktop can service
  small- to medium- to large-sized networks

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Classes of Servers

• PC Servers
• CISC-based
• hot-pluggable PCI slots
• hot-swappable hard disks
• power supply (multiple)
• cooling fans
• expandability
• heavy-duty chassis
• rack-mountable

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Classes of Servers
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Classes of Servers
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Classes of Servers

• Mainframes - large and extremely powerful
• size big, average 20 square feet of floor space
• cost at least several hundred thousand dollars
• processors multiple (up to 32 for Intel-based)
• bus speed very fast (faster than PC servers)
• memory more than 96 GB
• storage usually a TB or more
• durability usually a MTBF of about 20 years

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Classes of Servers

• Minicomputers (Midrange computers)
• size and capabilities lie between a PC server and
  a mainframe

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Chapter Summary

• Peer-to-peer network is a collection of networked
  computers with an equal level of authority
• Client-server network begins with a LAN and one
  or more servers
• Servers possess more processing power than
  workstations

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Chapter Summary

• A server running a NOS provides services such as
  file and printer sharing, centralized file
  storage, and security, among others
• Clock speed, data bus, and cache contribute to
  the speed of the processor
• Servers can implement multiple hard disks as one
  logical disk, thereby increasing performance

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Chapter Summary

• Network applications are server-based
• Centralized management consolidates
  administration to one location
• Administrators must justify the costs of
  additional hardware and software
• Different types of servers exist PC servers,
  mainframes, and minicomputers