A Midrange Server Definition
Midrange server computers fill the gap between entry-level servers and mainframe computers. Though they share some of the same commodity hardware and software of PCs, midrange servers have more memory capacity, processing power and room for expansion. They also have more modest demands for air-conditioning and electrical power compared to mainframes. Midrange servers host websites, databases and file systems for dozens to hundreds of users.
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Software
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A midrange server runs PC-based operating systems such as Microsoft Windows Server or Linux. Depending on the computer, the operating system may use 32-bit or 42-bit addresses. On top of the operating system, the server runs relational databases such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle or PostgreSQL. In addition, the server may run Web hosting software such as Apache and Microsoft’s IIS and management tools such as Microsoft’s Exchange.
Memory
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To support many users, a midrange system uses several times as much RAM as a standard PC, up to 512GB. Database, Web server and operating system software consume large amounts of memory as the number of users increase beyond a few dozen; without the added memory, the computer would spend excessive amounts of time retrieving data from the hard drives, leading to long response times and potential software crashes.
Midrange servers also employ memory technologies, such as Error Correction Code, or ECC, which automatically detects and repairs simple memory errors and prevents them from bringing the system down.
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Processors
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Standard desktop PCs typically have one or two processor chips with two to four cores each. A midrange server has up to 16 multi-core processors. The operating system software automatically assigns tasks to processors, splitting up the computer’s workload and processing more data in a given amount of time. The more processors and cores the operating system has at its disposal, the better the system’s overall performance.
Hot Swappable Hardware and RAID
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To improve availability and reliability, midrange servers have hot-swappable components, such as disk drives, fans and power supplies. If the component fails, a technician removes the part and replaces it with another without the need to turn the computer off. The computer remains running and in active use during these types of repairs.
Another technology, called RAID, or Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks, preserves data despite hard drive failures. In an array of three or more RAID disk drives, each disk shares some of its data with the others in the array. If one drive should fail completely, a repair technician can replace it, and the RAID system automatically rebuilds the data.
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References
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