Exploring servers

Since we have already provided a basic definition for the server, we will introduce Windows Server in this section. Throughout its history, Windows Server has evolved from a simple file server to an OS capable of handling network services in complex environments such as corporate networks. Therefore, Windows Server can provide network services such as domain controllers, web servers, print servers, and file servers. In addition, it often acts as a separate platform in which enterprise applications such as Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, and others are executed. With its robust performance and advanced security, nowadays, Windows Server is shaping cloud computing.

Server hardware and software

As you might recall, computer hardware and software represent physical and logical components. Therefore, since the server’s primary role is to provide network services to the clients, a server requires powerful hardware. That is because software such as Windows Server is designed to provide advanced network services. Therefore, its hardware must be durable and high-quality materials to deliver services and support network-based operations continually. Aside from distinguishing itself from the ordinary computer, a server is also specific in the types of services it provides. For example, a database server requires more memory capacity and storage space.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, disk, and network are key hardware components. As such, these components affect the overall performance of servers. Therefore, it is recommended that the actual performance of system components is continuously monitored to maintain the optimal performance of servers for both regular and heavy workloads.

First, let’s understand what a CPU is.

CPU

A CPU, or processor, is a chip on a server’s motherboard. In literature, you often encounter the term computer’s brain. That is a component that does all the processing and calculations. Intel and AMD are the biggest CPU manufacturers for PCs and servers. Their newest CPUs on the market are based on 64-bit architecture, which differs from 32-bit architecture-based processors. In 64-bit architecture, 64 bits of data are exchanged between the CPU and RAM in each communication session. On the other hand, in 32-bit architecture, only 32 bits of data are exchanged per communication session between RAM and the CPU. That is 50% less data being communicated via a 32-bit architecture compared to a 64-bit architecture.

To give out performance, the CPU depends on RAM. Let’s learn about that in the next section.

Memory

RAM represents the server’s working memory used by Windows Server 2022 and the server’s applications. Therefore, the more RAM there is on the server, the more multitasking can be performed, which can be interpreted as more applications running simultaneously. You can learn more about RAM in the Memory section of Chapter 10, Tuning and Maintaining Windows Server 2022.

Now, let's understand what a disk is in a server.

Disks

As you know, data is usually stored on a disk. In the case of servers, they mostly have more than one disk, referred to as the server’s disk subsystem. As for disk performance, read/write speed is an element that must be considered because the faster the disk’s throughput, the higher the performance of your disk subsystem. In terms of disk technology used in the server, usually, we encounter types such as Solid State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD). SSD has no moving parts and contains high read and writing speeds. In contrast, HDD has moving parts and durability and contains high-capacity storage spaces.

Now, let’s understand what a network interface is.

Network interface

A network interface enables the server to connect to an organization’s LAN and the internet. Usually, servers have more than one network interface. That is because the faster the server’s network connection speed is, the more data the server can send and receive to and from the network.

Now that we have understood a server, let’s look at the various server sizes, form factors, and shapes.

Server sizes, form factors, and shapes

Essentially, the server is a computer, so everything that applies to the form factor of the laptop also applies to the form factor of the server. So, the question that arises is, what is a form factor? A form factor is a hardware design that defines and describes an electronic device’s size, shape, and technical specifications. So, in terms of size, shape, and tech specs, today’s servers are presented in the following three form factors:

• As their name suggests, rack-mountable servers are usually built to be mounted inside a rack. These servers are considered general-purpose computers and can support various applications and network services. In addition, these servers usually populate on-premises server rooms or data centers. And because of their weight, these servers are fixed to the rack, as shown in Figure 1.9:

Figure 1.9 – An HP server in a rack

• Blade servers are modular servers that allow multiple servers to be deployed within a smaller area. They are thin in design and contain mainly the CPU, memory, network interface, and storage disks. Put simply, blade servers usually populate data centers or supercomputer facilities. That is because they can fit multiple servers on a single shelf, providing high processing power.
• Tower servers refer to a type of server that looks identical to a PC’s vertical case. However, they contain very advanced hardware and, as a result, offer higher processing power when compared to ordinary PCs. Usually, these servers are used for testing or local services in a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO).

Important note

A 64-bit Windows server installed on a 64-bit hardware server can process double the amount of data compared to a 32-bit Windows server installed on a 32-bit hardware server.

The server has an OS that enables network services such as a computer. Let’s learn more about it next.