If you heard about the terms “host” and “server”, you may not understand the difference between them unless you are tech-savvy. However, if you want to understand the difference between a server vs a host, we will be discussing their differences in a moment.
A server provides services to devices in a network, whereas a host is a device that is connected to other computers on a network or similar devices.
We will be looking at the major difference between a host and a server, but first, let’s explore their definitions.
What Is a Server?
A server is a system or computer that connects internet users to a particular from any location around the world. It’s a hardware or software serving information to other computers in a network.
A server generally provides information to other computers. Every device to which the server offers services may not be a host and the simple term commonly used to indicate devices is “client”.
The client can be hardware or software and can be connected to a server through LAN or a WAN.
A server is capable to connect and serve more clients. A single client can connect to multiple servers and it’s also possible to run the server and the client on the same device or you can have the server on a different device.
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What Is a Host?
A host or web host is a device that is connected to a network and grants easy access to interact with other similar devices or computers on the same network.
Each host has an IP address and with this, every host in the network can easily communicate and send information across. The communication between hosts is possible using a DNS (Domain Name System).
With the Domain Name System or DNS, host are identified based on their IP address.
If one of the hosts wants to communicate with another device, the data gets to the appropriate designation with the IP address of the device it intends to communicate with.
Sometimes hosts use hostnames in place of an IP address to communicate to other devices on the same network. The Domain Name Systems will convert the hostname to the specific IP address of the device.
Server vs Host: The Key Difference
The major difference between a server and a host is that the latter are connected devices in a network and the former is hardware or software serving information to other computers in a network.
Both hosts and servers are required and are important for a network to operate efficiently.
Server vs Host: Comparison Chart
| Sever | Host | |
| Definition | A server is a system or computer that connects internet users to a particular from any location around the world. | A host or web host is a device that is connected to a network and grants easy access to interact with other similar devices or computers on the same network. |
| Types | Web servers, mail servers, proxy servers, application servers, and communication servers. | Shared hosting, dedicated hosting, managed hosting, virtual private server (VPS) hosting, cloud hosting, and colocation hosting. |
| First used in | 1989 | 1991 |
| Major components | Motherboard, CPU, power supply, memory, hard drive, network connection, and power supply. | Domain name, domain registrar, SSL, DNS server, FTP server, certificate, mail server. |
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Server vs Host: Different Types of Severs
Email Server
What is a mail server? It’s a type of server that sends electronic messages on the internet. When an email is sent, it goes through multiple servers to reach its assigned destination.
Although this process is very fast and efficient, there is a lot of complexity involved in sending and receiving emails.
Web Servers
A web server is a software and hardware that generally uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) alongside other protocols to respond to requests made on the web. The main job of a web server is to serve HMTL files or pages to browsers.
Web servers display website content to users by storing, processing, and delivering web pages.
Additionally, web servers also support File Transfer Protocol and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, which are used for email, storage and file transfer.
Proxy Server
A proxy server is a system that creates a gateway between users and the internet. It’s a system that helps prevent cyber attackers from gaining access to a private network.
A proxy server is often referred to as an intermediary, as it goes between end users and the web pages they visit online.
Proxies provide high-level security for your computer and they can be set up as firewalls or filters to protect your device.
Application Server
Application server is a server designed to operate, install and host applications. It provides web pages or dynamic application content. It also allows complex user interactions.
Communication Server
A communication server is a computer system that handles communication-based applications. Communication servers can connect to different platforms and also allow different systems to interact with one another without interference.
It’s a reliable server for those who wish to transfer files on a network. These servers provide communication channels for single or multiple users and this is based on the hardware and software capabilities of the server.
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Server vs Host: Different Types of Hosts
There are six types of hosts in total, which are commonly used for hosting web and applications on the internet.
Shared Hosting
As the name suggests, shared hosting uses a server and shares the server resources with several users. This is the basic hosting solution for users available on the market.
It can be used for hosting websites like personal blogs. It’s also affordable for starters but has a negative side based on security and performance.
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting is more secure than shared hosting. It’s a better server that is only used by a single user.
Dedicated hosting offers security to users who host their website on it. Websites on dedicated hosting are isolated from other hosts in the network.
Managed Hosting
Managed hosting services are usually offered by multiple hosting providers. These hosting providers sell dedicated hosting plans to users.
If you decide to go for a managed plan, the hosting providers will help set up your server. They will also help migrate all data from your old server. The hosting provider will also maintain your server.
There is more they can do such as performing regular data backups, monitoring your server to prevent malware, and creating a security system or your managed dedicated server.
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Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
Virtual Private Server Hosting is a kind of shared hosting where users are given their own private hosting space. It’s better than shared hosting and offers enhanced security and performance.
VPS hosting is also affordable, and less expensive than dedicated hosting.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting is a new hosting service, the new deal of the technology industry. It’s like a hybrid version of a VPS and it makes applications and websites accessible using cloud resources.
Cloud hosting plans are designed with multiple remote servers, with each server functioning effectively.
When one server is compromised or has a problem, other servers on the network will cover up and take over the responsibilities and function efficiently.
Colocation Hosting
Colocation hosting offers a physical and secure space where you can keep your server. Keeping your server in-house or at a private data centre is not the best option.
You can choose to co-locate your equipment by renting space for your server in a secured data centre. This is a better option for those who need to secure their servers.
Conclusion
A server provides services to devices in a network, whereas a host is a device that is connected to other computers on a network or similar devices.
There are differences between a server and a host just as there are types of hosts and servers. Both hosts and servers are required and are important for a network to operate efficiently.
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References
- 4sight.group: What’s the difference between Host and Server?
- AboutSSL: What’s the Difference Between Host and Server?
- Redswitches: Host vs Server: What These Are & How They Differ
- Bloggingtips: Difference Between Host and Server
- Techradar: What are the different types of web hosting?
