7 Main Functions of a Web Server

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In our daily lives, we might use a web server without knowing what it actually is. A web server is one of the important components in the digital era with very varied functions. In server monitoring, it is important to understand what a web server is and its functions, which we will discuss below.

Definition of a Web Server

A web server is a combination of hardware and software. Web server responds to client requests sent through the World Wide Web (WWW) using HTTP and various protocols. When we access a website, the computer will send a request to the site’s server. The server then sends the website data back to our computer, and we can see the website on the screen.

A web server is a computer system that stores, processes, and delivers web content to users over the internet. First, the web server receives a request from the user’s web browser, then the server uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to communicate with the browser. The server then identifies the requested resource, processes the request, and sends the resource to the browser.

Main Functions of a Web Server

The main function of a web server is to deliver what the client requests. Because client requests are very varied, the web server has several types of functions. Here are the 7 main functions of a web server:

1. Ensuring Website Security

Web servers offer various security features to protect websites and their visitors from unwanted activities. These features include:

• Firewall to prevent unauthorized access
• SSL/TLS encryption for securely transferring data
• Defense against cyber attacks.

2. Submitting Website Content

The main task of a web server is to store and transfer web content requested by clients. The format of the content varies, such as:

• Web page
• Video
• Photo
• Document

To send content to the website as requested by this client, the incoming requests must be processed first. The requested content must then be retrieved from the server’s storage device. After that, the content is sent back to the client as an HTTP response.

3. Maintaining Web Applications

Web applications offer various services such as social networking, e-commerce, and content management. These services are managed and constantly updated by the web server. Its services include several things such as:

• Setting up and maintaining web application software
• Monitoring its performance
• Debugging any potential issues that arise.

4. Serving Multiple Users Simultaneously

Web servers accommodate many users simultaneously by managing multiple HTTP requests at the same time. This is achieved by using multi-threading or other methods. This method allows the server to handle requests from clients simultaneously.

5. Serving Static and Dynamic Content

The content offered by the web server can be static or dynamic. HTML documents, images, and stylesheets are examples of static content. Meanwhile, dynamic content is created instantly based on user input or other variables. Web servers offer a different and engaging online experience by presenting a variety of content types.

6. Handling HTTP Requests

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) server responds to client or user requests. When any type of web content is requested by the client, the content is sent to the web server via the internet. Then, the server processes the request and retrieves the necessary documents from the hard drive. After that, the web server sends an HTTP response back to the client.

7. Responding to HTTP Requests

The web server responds to HTTP requests from users or clients. The HTTP protocol is the industry standard protocol for interacting with clients and web servers. Client computers use the HTTP protocol to send requests to the web server each time the client visits the site.

The web server receives the request and finds the page desired by the client. After that, the server returns the page to the client’s computer for viewing. A well-functioning server will display the client’s request easily and smoothly.

Additional Functions of a Web Server

Besides the 7 main functions mentioned above, web servers also have several additional functions that are equally important. Here are some of them:

• The web server ensures that the required modules are accessible and prepared for client use.
• The web server keeps website data safe from unauthorized users.
• Web servers limit bandwidth to manage network traffic and help eliminate downtime.
• The web server cleans up unused modules and cache. The web server performs a security check on every HTTP request sent by the user’s browser.

How a Web Server Works

The client-server web server model is one that delivers information according to the client’s request. In this model, clients typically use end-user devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones to request a certain amount of information from the server. Then the server processes the request and provides the requested information to the client.

When the client’s device requires a file hosted on the web server, the request will be initiated through a browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox. The client then types the URL of the site where the required file is hosted. The browser requests the necessary files via HTTP. When the request is received by the web server, the HTTP server processes the request, finds the content, and sends it back to the browser via HTTP.

So, when the browser requests a page from the web server, the series of steps that occur are as follows:

• The client specifies the URL in the browser’s address bar.
• The browser obtains the IP address of a domain name, either by translating the URL through the Domain Name System (DNS) or by looking it up in the cache.
• Browser navigates to the web server.
• The browser requests a specific file from the web server via an HTTP request.
• The web server responds by sending the requested page to the browser, once again, via HTTP.
• The browser then displays the web page on the user’s screen.
• If the requested page does not exist or an error occurs, the web server will respond with the message: 404 Not Found.

Example Web Server

One example of a web server is Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS). Developed by Microsoft, IIS for Windows Server provides a scalable and open architecture for hosting websites and web applications. Another popular example is Nginx (pronounced ‘engine X’), a lightweight open-source HTTP web server that facilitates scalability.

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Used every day by many people around the world, the function of a web server is very important for delivering user requests. Make sure to implement server monitoring regularly for smooth performance. Netmonk offers comprehensive monitoring services and has been used by various companies. Visit the Netmonk website for more information about its services!