Host and server can often get mixed up for those with limited digital exposure. So, let’s find out what is a host, and server, and what is the main difference between both of them.
A host is a device that connects a computer to the network, while a server provides services to devices in a network. In short, a host’s role is to share resources found on the network, while a server’s role is to provide services and share network resources. Both hosts and servers require the network to function smoothly.
Are you still confused?
No problem! Here is today’s guiding blog; we discuss the differences between host and server: To get more details about the host and server, let’s dive into the next section to explore more:
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What is a Host?
A host is a machine that links devices within the network. It’ll build a collection of devices with their own Internet Protocol (IP) address and specific software that allows your devices to link and communicate.
Whenever a host is displayed with a name, the Domain Name System (DNS) converts it to an IP address. In this context, it is essential to understand those devices that do not have their IP address cannot be considered a host; this includes; hubs, switches, routers, or WIFI boosters.
What is a Server?
A web server is a high-tech machine or data center to quickly accesses all the information you need. Servers work by managing network sources. They also perform intense calculations. When you start researching servers, you may find various servers.
All servers perform their specific task that is considered dedicated servers. However, shared servers are most commonly used nowadays. Shared servers take on multiple responsibilities, including emails, FTP, DNS, and different websites in a web server.
Server vs. Host
| Web Host | Web Server |
| Web hosting is the process of displaying a website on a server | A web server used to host a website |
| It enables websites to be accessible to internet users. | It provides services to other devices in the network. |
| Hosting a website allows individuals and organizations to showcase their products and services. | It stores web server software and the website’s data or files. |
| It makes use of other networks to relay the same set of information | |
| Its main objective is storing, processing, and delivering web pages to users. | |
| Its main objective is to keep all web pages of the hosted site on its server and to take care of setup and technical issues. |
Different Types of Servers
Like web hosting services, there are different types of web servers. To get details here, we’ll briefly categorize all servers. Let’s check;
Web Servers
A web server allows you to distribute HTML documents or pages on the Internet. The web browser acts as a client in the web server.
Database Servers
Database servers process database queries to be designated by the network administrator. Client applications carry out database queries that retrieve hosted data on the server.
Mail Servers
As the name implies, a mail server also forwards outgoing mail for delivery to the remote senders. It’s the most recognized server that sends electronic mail messages across the Internet. Email servers receive electronic messages from client computers and then transfer the electronic messages to other email servers in the exact location via mail server.
File Servers
A file server allows users on a network to manage and store files securely. In this context, it’ll help the other computers to get access files and data repositories quickly on the same network.
Application Servers
An application server infrastructure runs via a service layer model. The application server provides the infrastructure for web applications and creates server platforms to run the applications. In addition, the server offers a variety of components and software developer access via an API. The primary function of the application server is to support the design of dynamic web pages.
Proxy Server
Proxy servers handle client computer requests by using resources from other servers operating on the Internet. The proxy server evaluates the request to simplify the handling of data. It evolved to act as a web proxy server to access online content while providing users anonymity.
Communication Server
It operates many communications applications to enhance the value at every level of the architecture of a computing system.
Types of Hosts
Different kinds of web hosts can provide a platform for your website on the web. All web hosting plans perform the same primary function, but their performance quality, storage capacity, server speed, technical knowledge requirement, reliability, and control.
Let’s check the details;
Shared Hosting
It is an excellent hosting option for entry-level website hosts. In shared web hosting, several other websites are hosted on the same server. It is one of the cheapest hosting plans because all domains utilize the same server resources, such as; CPU and RAM.
Shared web hosting is a fantastic alternative for novice website hosts because It’s easier to handle. If you own a small business, a beginner, or a small community group, it’ll be the best hosting option for running your website smoothly.
Along with so many perks, there are a few drawbacks of shared web hosting that you may encounter. First, due to several other users, your website’s performance may affect.
Managed Hosting
In managed hosting, your web host spouse manages to host resources such as operating systems, hardware, software setup and configuration, technical support, patch management, system maintenance, monitoring, and updates. Managed hosting services can be customized to meet the customer’s business requirements.
In managed hosting, your hosting provider creates a technology roadmap to support your upcoming business growth and product launches.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
In VPS server hosting, your website runs on shared hosting infrastructure. Still, your hosting provider allotted specific space within the server, so you have complete control over your allotted server resources. A virtual private server is between a shared server and a dedicated server. It works ideally for website hosts who need more control over server resources.
It’ll be ideal for those who want dedicated server resources but lack the technical knowledge to deal with it and often choose VPS hosting. It is also an excellent choice for the ones looking for specific packages and installations.
Dedicated Hosting
It is the best choice if you need complete control over server resources. You can exclusively rent the server and run your website on it. In addition, it gives you complete hold on the entire system.
Besides all its advantages, it’s too expensive, so businesses with high web traffic often use this type of web hosting. Although expensive, its security and excellent performance are among the most reliable hosting options.
Cloud Hosting
It’s one of the more cost-effective versions of VPS hosting. This type of hosting is appealing for high-traffic website hosts because if one of the servers goes down or has a problem, other servers within the network will step up to take over those responsibilities. Cloud servers are also super scalable and charged, so you can quickly increase your server resources as your business grows.
Conclusion
The basic difference between a host and a server is server software, or hardware offers services to other devices in a network. To sum up, seek professional advice when you plan to buy hosting or server, this guiding blog would help you to make a wise decision to run your digital network efficiently.
Hope so today’s blog post will help you to understand the basic concept of host and server. If you want to read more informative blog posts stay connected with us.