Understanding Network Server Types and Configuration Commands

Types of Network Servers

One way to organize a network is by favoring at least one computer, giving it added capabilities in the form of services. These are called servers.

The remaining computers are called clients, which request services from these servers. The servers specialize in the functions for which they were designed, creating a centralized network that is easier to administer by incorporating a system of user accounts and passwords that restrict access.

There are many types of servers:

File Servers

These servers are available to users for their disk storage capacity. They usually have terabytes of capacity and tend to feature redundant storage systems and UPS units.

Print Servers

A dedicated server used to manage and control a specific network resource. It gives users the ability to print documents transparently, making it seem as if all available resources are on their own machine.

Communications Servers

Responsible for managing communications from the users' local area network to the outside. The aim is to solve two types of needs: connecting networks of different types among themselves and connecting with other larger systems (gateways).

Email Servers

Responsible for providing electronic messaging services for the intercommunication of users.

Network Configuration in Windows and Linux

Ipconfig

Ipconfig is a command-line utility that shows the current network configuration of a local computer (IP address, netmask, gateway assigned to the network card, etc.) and controls the Windows service that acts as a DHCP client.

In macOS, ipconfig is a command-line utility used to control BootP and DHCP clients. As in other UNIX-based operating systems, macOS can also use ifconfig for more direct control over network interfaces.

Ifconfig

Ifconfig is a program available in multiple versions of the UNIX operating system. It allows users to configure or deploy network interface parameters, such as IP addresses (dynamic or static) or netmasks. If called without arguments, it usually shows the current configuration of active network interfaces, including details such as the MAC address or the traffic statistics.

Route

Route is a command-line tool available in both Microsoft Windows and GNU/Linux. It allows us to manipulate the routing tables of our system.