What is a Web Server Along with Its Functions and How It Works

You may have often heard the term Web Server. But you may not know the actual meaning and function. In this article, we will discuss the definition, function, how it works, features, and types of servers available today.

Actually, the web server is closely related to our activities in surfing the internet. Its role is crucial for smooth browsing and searching using browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and others. Read this article to the end to understand more about the function and operation of a web server.

What is a Web Server?

A web server can be referred to as software and hardware that responds to client requests from web users on the World Wide Web (WWW) using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

A web server is used for hosting websites or hosting data for websites. As well as other web-based applications. Every time a browser like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge needs a document stored (hosted) on the server, the browser requests it using HTTP.

When the request reaches the web server hardware, the software will receive the request. Then it will search for the requested document. Then send it back to the browser via HTTP. Eventually, the requested data in the form of files, images, or HTML can be displayed on the browser.

So, it can be concluded that the main task of a web server is to display website content by sending web pages to users. In addition, web servers are also used for email purposes, document delivery, and storage. Using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

Therefore, a web server can be defined as a computer whose task is to store, process, and send requested website files to web browsers.

Main Functions of a Web Server

There are three main functions of a web server, which are hosting websites or web-based applications, processing HTTP and FTP requests, including sending and receiving emails. However, if separated based on the definition of a web server as hardware and software, its functions are as follows:

Web Server as Hardware

Serves as a storage location for scripts, images, data, and website page content. It can be accessed when the hardware is connected to the internet so that data exchange between devices can be done.

Web Server as Software

Serves as software that serves browser requests to find the requested data.

How Web Servers Work

The working process of a web server has been briefly discussed above. However, in more detail, the process of a web server working is through the following stages:

First, when you want to access content on a website, the browser will send a request to the server over the internet using an HTTP request.

Next, the server will receive the HTTP request, but before processing it, the web server will perform a security check. Using the help of an HTTP server, which is software that translates URLs or website addresses and HTTP.

The server will then search for the requested file and send it to the browser requesting the file.

Then the file being searched for will be displayed on the web page. So that you as a user can see the desired website content.

However, if the HTTP server cannot find the requested file or fails to process the document, the server will send a response to the browser and display an error code. One of them is "404 not found," a message you often encounter when a page fails to load because the page has been deleted. There are approximately 13 error codes with different numerical codes and explanations as responses for various reasons.

Web Server Features

In a web server, there are several supporting features in processing browser requests. Some of them are:

File Logging

File logging is responsible for recording activities performed by the web server. Such as requests, error logs, and security.

Storage Space

Storage space is the amount of disk capacity available to store files. And determine whether the server can host websites.

Bandwidth Limitation

Bandwidth limitation is the amount of data that can be transferred or processed at a specific time. This limitation is to control response speed and ensure the network is not overloaded so that file exchange processes can run smoothly.

Authentication

Authentication is a security feature where before gaining access to the website, users will be asked for a username and password. The goal is to ensure server security in case problems arise.

Types of Web Servers

Here are the popular and widely used types of web servers today:

Apache

Apache is the first web server and one of the best. This open-source and free web server is used by many operating systems such as Linux, Windows, and Mac OS.

Apache is known for its security and ease of use. The advantage of using Apache is its ease of installation process. Its configuration and system settings are also much easier. Because it is open-source, it can work on various operating systems.

NGINX

NGINX can be considered a competitor to Apache. This type of server also offers interesting features. Its advantage is high performance, able to handle all types of requests. From large data to high traffic. And it can remain stable.

Other features offered by NGINX include URL rewriting, virtual hosting, file serving, reverse proxying, and access control.

IIS

IIS stands for Internet Information Service, a web server that usually works using several types of protocols. Such as DNS, IP/TCP, and other software types that compile websites.

IIS is also an exclusive web server from Microsoft. Developed by Microsoft for use in Windows operating systems.

Lighttpd

Lighttpd is also a free and open-source web server. Known for its speed, small memory footprint, and minimal use of CPU and RAM.

This web server was actually created to support Linux and Unix systems. But it can also be used for Windows by using Lighttpd for Windows.

That's an explanation about Web Servers that you have probably heard of. Now you understand the meaning, function, and operation of a web server. Servers indeed play a vital role when you access the internet.

The role of a web server is also crucial in the website development process. Because web servers are used to host websites to make them online and accessible to many people. To get one, you can use the services of experienced website hosting. So that your business website can also receive maintenance services. Thus, the website's performance is always maintained and secure.

You can trust your business website hosting to WEBARQ to get a high-quality and secure website. Not only hosting, but you can also build a professional business website through web development services from WEBARQ.
Prepare a professional website for your business with WEBARQ!