How Web Servers Work: Definition, Functions, and Types

Web Server Definition

A web server is hardware or software that plays a role in storing, organizing, and distributing website content to users via the internet. A web server acts as a bridge between the user (client) and the website being visited. When a user visits a web page, a request is sent to the web server which will then display the requested content to the user.

Reported from mozilla.org, a web server operates by implementing the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) communication protocol. This allows users to access the website. The server then responds by sending HTML content, images, or other data needed to display the web page properly to the user.

Web Server Functions

For those of you who aspire to become server engineers, then knowledge about web server functions must be understood in depth. Web servers have a number of main functions as reported by techtarget.com, including:

1. Content Storage & Delivery
   The web server is responsible for storing website content, including HTML files, images, videos, and other documents. When a user accesses a web page, the web server delivers the requested content to the user’s browser.
2. Handling User Requests
   The web server receives and handles requests sent by users through their web browsers. These requests can be in the form of access to a web page, sending data through a form, or requests for files or other resources.
3. Managing Connections
   The web server is capable of handling multiple connections simultaneously from different users. This allows the server to serve multiple users simultaneously without experiencing a decrease in performance.
4. Security
   Also plays a role in maintaining data security and protecting websites from potential threats. Servers can implement security measures such as data encryption (HTTPS), user authentication, and protection against attacks such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.

Types of Web Servers

There are various types of web servers that are commonly used, including:

1. Apache HTTP Server
   Apache is a very popular open-source web server. Apache is often used in several operating systems and supports various features and modules that are easy to configure. Apache offers reliable performance, flexibility, and reliability.
2. Nginx
   Nginx is a lightweight and scalable web server and proxy server. It is designed to serve a large number of connections efficiently so it is usually used in high traffic scenarios. Nginx can also act as a reverse proxy, cache server, and load balancer, as reported by nginx.com.
3. Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services)
   IIS is a web server designed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system. IIS provides a reliable platform for executing .NET-based web applications and supports a variety of features and integration with other Microsoft products.
4. LiteSpeed
   This web server is an alternative to Apache because of its lightweight and fast nature. LiteSpeed ​​offers high performance, low resource usage, and compatibility with Apache settings and modules.
5. Node.js
   Node.js is not a traditional web server, but a JavaScript runtime environment that allows for the creation of server-side applications. Node.js makes it easy for developers to build fast and scalable web servers using JavaScript.

The types of servers mentioned above can also be implemented on VPS (Virtual Private Server). Each type of web server has different advantages and features and the choice is adjusted to specific needs and preferences. In determining the choice of web server, it is important to consider factors such as speed, reliability, scalability, and support for the features needed.

In conclusion, a web server is an important component in web infrastructure. Web servers play an important role in storing and delivering site content to users as well as processing requests and maintaining security. Many types of web servers, such as Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, LiteSpeed, and Node.js, provide solutions that suit the needs and preferences of users. However, do not forget that the server must be monitored in real-time with automated tools such as Netmonk Prime for example.