What Is Server Network Software?

A server has special network software requirements.

In "Client-Server" architecture, the "Client" always initiates communication with a request and the "Server" provides a response. The network software running on both the client and server manages communication in the same way. There is one difference, however, the server's job is to wait for incoming requests.

Function

There are many different types of machines labeled "server." You might hear of a "file server," a "mail server," a "proxy server," a "web server" or a "Network Access Server." Servers tend to be used to centralize delivery of a specific task.

Features

The server communicates with other computers using standard networking software. The distinctive feature of a server's network software is that is exists only to receive requests. For this reason, a server's network software will include a "listener" or "daemon."

Receiver

A "daemon" is a program that loops round and round checking for a specific event. When that event occurs, such as an incoming request, the daemon will branch to a different part of the program, spawning another process to handle the request. It will then loop around and listen for any other incoming requests.

References

• Tech Target: Server
• W3C: World Wide Web Server Software