6 Different Server Applications & Suggested Configurations

Chances are, when you’re building a server, you’re on a very specific mission. Whether you’re looking to store files, hosting a game server, or trying to enter the HomeLab Hall of Fame, you know what you want your server to (ideally) do. In this blog post, we’ll talk about 6 different types of servers, go over what you can use each of them for, and explain in depth how their configurations differ.

The specifications for all of the servers below will vary based on the demand; for instance, the more users you have connected, the more processing power and RAM your server will need. But don’t worry — CPU, RAM, and storage are all modular, so you can easily make an upgrade if you find that your machine is not performing the way you want it to. To make it easier, we’ve also included examples of what low, mid, and high-end server configurations will look like for each server-type.

Note: If you’re still in the stage of selecting a server, you may also want to consider network infrastructure and network speed. Depending on your existing network infrastructure, if any, you may want to upgrade to a minimum 10gbps network speed for a smoother user-experience. 

1. Database server

Purpose: Database servers are intended to maintain large volumes of data. These servers need to be able to look up and run queries on the information in a database. 

Database servers need….

• Higher GHz. (As you may know, a faster clock speed = more processes executed per second. This is especially useful for large volumes of data & data manipulation.)
• A large amount of RAM.
• Fewer processing cores. In some cases, the licensing is pay-per-core, so you would probably want to opt for fewer cores.

2. Web server

Purpose: Web servers do just what the name entails; they host websites! In order to do so, web servers must process scripts for performing web-based functions (aka storing, processing, and ultimately delivering web pages to users).

Web servers need…. 

• 4 components: Linux (OS), Apache (web server software), mySQL (database), PHP ( a popular general-purpose scripting language well-suited to web dev). (Together, they’re LAMP).
• More processing power and RAM will deliver pages more efficiently to users; however, a lower-traffic web server could run very well on a minimal configuration.

3. Domain controller

Purpose: Domain controllers (DC’s) are meant for managing company access credentials to systems and files. These servers are responsible for verifying users and responding to authentication requests. 

Domain controllers need…

• DC’s typically require Windows server OS.
• A small business with 20 employees requires a relatively minimal configuration. Larger businesses, on the other hand, may need multiple servers with more cores and RAM to handle hundreds of simultaneous authentications.

4. File server

Purpose: File servers are meant for storing and managing shared files. These servers provide shared access to files that would otherwise be stored separately, such as individual employee’s working files. Using centralized file servers keeps things organized and can make collaboration significantly easier.

File servers need…

• Lots of RAID-based storage for redundancy in case of drive failure.
• An offsite backup. Whether it’s cloud-based or an external mass storage device, you’ll want to back up your file servers regularly.
• Similar to the above server-types, the specifications are dependent on the number of connected users. 

5. Remote desktop server

Purpose: Remote desktop servers make it possible for multiple people working from different locations to log onto a single shared server while using their own desktop environment. Given the capacity these servers offer to streamline working from home, investing in remote desktop servers is a very effective use of IT resources.

Remote desktop servers need…

• A high core count and a high RAM count. Generally speaking, these servers are meant to support a high volume of users, so higher specifications allow each user’s desktop environment to run harder, better, faster, stronger. (Okay, maybe not harder, but you get the point.)

6. Homelab server

Purpose: Homelab servers can be whatever you want them to be. One of the many benefits of working within a homelab is the freedom you get to experiment and learn; you can test out enterprise servers before deciding on one to introduce to the office, you can host your small business at home, or you can create whatever you’d like! 

Homelab servers need…

• Someone willing to learn, research and educate themselves on the multitudes of software and hardware accessible in the 21st century. Even if you start out with a lower-spec system, you’ll be able to build it up as your needs and knowledge expand.

On the fence about having one of your own? Here are some things to consider before building a home server. 

The differences in functionality between different server-types necessitate different physical components. We hope we’ve helped you understand what your ideal server will need! And when you’re ready to build one of your own or choose a pre-configured option, TechMikeNY has you covered!