Server 2022 Notes
What is a Server?
A server is a computer program or device that provides a service to another computer program and its user, also known as the client. In a data center, the physical computer that a server program runs on is also frequently referred to as a server. That machine might be a dedicated server or it might be used for other purposes.
In the client/server programming model, a server program awaits and fulfills requests from client programs, which might be running in the same, or other computers. A given application in a computer might function as a client with requests for services from other programs and as a server of requests from other programs.
Physical and virtual servers
A physical server is simply a computer that is used to run server software. The differences between a server and a desktop computer will be discussed in detail in the next section.
A virtual server is a virtual representation of a physical server. Like a physical server, a virtual server includes its own operating system and applications. These are kept separate from any other virtual servers that might be running on the physical server.
The process of creating virtual machines involves installing a lightweight software component called a hypervisor onto a physical server. The hypervisor's job is to enable the physical server to function as a virtualization host. The virtualization host makes the physical server's hardware resources -- such as CPU time, memory, storage and network bandwidth -- available to one or more virtual machines.
An administrative console gives administrators the ability to allocate specific hardware resources to each virtual server. This helps dramatically drive down hardware costs because a single physical server can run multiple virtual servers, as opposed to each workload needing its own physical server.
Server software
At a minimum, a server requires two software components: an operating system and an application. The operating system acts as a platform for running the server application. It provides access to the underlying hardware resources and provides the dependency services that the application depends on.
The operating system also provides the means for clients to communicate with the server application. The server's IP address and fully qualified domain name, for example, are assigned at the operating system level.
Desktop computers vs. servers
There are both similarities and differences between desktop computers and servers. Most servers are based on X86/X64 CPUs and can run the same code as an X86/X64 desktop computer. Unlike most desktop computers, however, physical servers often include multiple CPU sockets and error correcting memory. Servers also generally support a far greater quantity of memory than most desktop computers.
Because server hardware typically runs mission-critical workloads, server hardware manufacturers design servers to support redundant components. A server might be equipped with redundant power supplies and redundant network interfaces. These redundant components allow a server to continue to function even if a key component fails.
Server hardware also differs from desktop hardware in terms of its form factor. Modern desktop computers often exist as mini towers, designed to be placed under a desk. Although there are still some vendors that offer tower servers, most servers are designed to be rack mounted. These rack mount systems are described as having a 1U, 2U or 4U form factor, depending on how much rack space they occupy -- a 2U server takes up twice as much rack space as a 1U server.
Types of Server
1. Web server
An open-source web server is used for accessing the world wide web through public domain software. These servers connect stored information from an internet website to your own computer. Web servers store information for the internet that is retrieved via "HTTP" code and sent to your web browser. This is one of the most widely used types of servers.
2. Proxy server
Proxy servers act as a bridge between a host server and a client server. A proxy sends data from a website to your computer IP address after it passes through the proxy's server. This practice adds a layer of security since the information is requested then transferred from the source to the proxy server and never directly from a client to another user. A proxy server can filter out various harmful internet entities.
3. Virtual Server
As their name suggests, virtual machines store and connect data strictly through virtual space. To create a virtual machine, IT teams use a hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), which is software that can run thousands of virtual machines through only one piece of physical hardware. This method of server virtualization is widely used for data transfer and storage because they are the most cost-effective type of server to run.
4. File transfer protocol (FTP) server
FTP servers are used to relocate files from one computer to another. Uploaded files move from your computer to the server while downloaded files are extracted from the server onto your device. File transfer protocol also refers to the method of using a server to connect one computer to another in order to share data safely.
5. Application server
These servers connect clients to software applications through virtual server connections. This allows users to bypass downloading data to their own hardware in order to access applications. Application servers can effectively host large amounts of application data to many users at once, making them ideal for businesses.
6. File server
A file server stores data files for multiple users. They allow for faster data retrieval and saving or writing files to a computer. This is a basic type of server used commonly by organizations where lots of users need access to files that are more conveniently and safely stored on a server than a personal computer.
7. Database server
Database servers function as large storage spaces that organizations use and access to run multiple programs to meet their needs. A database server can run independently of any database architecture.
8. Mail server
A mail server stores and delivers mail for clients through email service platforms. Because mail servers are set up to continually connect to a network, individual users can access their email without running any systems through their own devices.
9. Print server
A print server connects remotely to local computers to print through a network. These servers give businesses the ability to use a single printer to serve an entire department. Some printers even come with their own built-in server ready to join a network once they're installed in an office area.
10. Domain name system (DNS) server
These servers transform readable computer domain names into computer language IP addresses. The DNS server takes search data from a user and finds the requested address to deliver to the client device.
11. Collaboration server
When work needs to be shared across multiple users, a collaboration server makes it easy to connect. These servers allow you to share and store files, applications and other large amounts of data.
12. Gaming server
Large gaming networks use servers to connect users from around the world. These servers host multi-player online games.
13. Monitoring and management server
Monitoring and management servers function in several capacities. First, they record and track digital transactions and receive user requests. Others simply monitor and don't actively participate in user operations. Monitoring servers are responsive to network administrators who survey network health to check for threats or bugs in the system.
How do servers work?
Servers work in several ways to connect users to different data functions. They house large amounts of data for organizations and make it accessible to users through internal networks or via the internet. They respond to user requests to retrieve appropriate files from stored or interconnected data sources. They also work in tandem with an operating system to better listen to and respond to user requests.
IT professionals can increase the functionality of a server by installing software that creates additional roles such as responding to website requests from an internet browser. Servers can also act as safeguards to verify the identity of users before allowing access to a network.
Server components
Physical servers are made up of the following parts:
Motherboard: A motherboard connects all parts of a server. A motherboard's size dictates the amount of storage and the number of hard drives that can connect to a server.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU controls the overall functions of a server. It's the center for all processing within a server device. CPUs are measured by processing speed.
Memory: This part of a server dictates the amount of storage available. Memory needs to be compatible with the motherboard.
Hard drives: A hard drive stores both user and software data for a computer. It uses a controller card for optimum processing functions. A server housing large amounts of data may need multiple hard drives.
Network connection: A server needs to connect to a network in order to function. A good network connection will ensure a server is able to receive and respond to user requests. Many motherboards already contain a network adapter however, if they don't, the server will need an external network connection installed.
Power supply: Servers that provide data to large numbers of clients need a bigger power supply than a typical personal computer. Most servers need a power supply of at least 300 watts.
What is server architecture?
Server architecture is the design of how a server functions. Server architecture refers to the layout of a server in its operational capacity.
A server's architecture can be defined by:
How it communicates with other devices
The types of operating systems it uses
Hardware and software components
Storage and computing capabilities
The security functions within its systems
Introduction of MS server 2022
Windows Server 2022 or Windows Server 2022 Edition is the tenth and latest major long term servicing channel (LTSC) release of the Windows Server operating system by Microsoft, as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It was announced at Microsoft's Ignite event from March 2, 2021, to March 4, 2021.
Windows Server 2022 is the most secure, reliable, and Azure-compatible server Microsoft developed in the 20th century.
Considering the increasing security threats (see research data below) and cyber-attacks, Windows Server 2022 is built with top-notch security parameters, which we will discuss in the following subsections, to ensure the security of data packets up to date at the cluster level. It is a wholesome security package that secures end-to-end IT infrastructure.
Windows Server 2022 will help organizations of all types run to their workloads securely, enable hybrid cloud integration, and update their applications to meet demanding IT needs.
Different versions of the Windows 2022 server
According to the resources from Microsoft, Windows Server 2022 has three main editions: Essential, Standard, and Data Center, and later one more version was released – the Azure Datacenter edition.
Let’s look at the exact technical differences between these editions, Windows Server 2022 Editions comparison.
All versions of Windows Server 2022 have the option to install the server core and desktop version. The desktop version is installed for remote desktop sessions hosted with non-server services and other components.
Server version installation is intended for specific roles and functions such as DNS server, web server, Active Directory, virtualization, etc.
While there are many variations across all versions, in this section, we will look at the main differences between the server editions of Windows 2022.
Windows Server 2022 Standard
The Standard Edition is the base version of Windows Server 2022. The single license of the standard version can only work with two virtual machines and one Hyper-V host.
The Replica Storage option is available with one partnership and one resource group with a capacity of 2 terabytes. Features such as hot patching, software-defined networking and storage are not available in the standard version.
Windows Server 2022 data center
This version has elite features that are not part of the Standard Edition, such as protected VMs. This feature protects the firmware and startup files of the VM and also enables BitLocker disk encryption.
As data protection and management are critical to enterprise-level infrastructure, Microsoft integrates two key functions: software-defined storage and storage replication with Storage Spaces Direct.
Storage replication provides block-level data replication without data loss and even replicates open files. Software-defined storage with Storage Spaces Direct enables manageability and scalability – supports up to 16 servers and up to 1 petabyte of cluster storage.
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Azure Edition
As the name suggests, it is designed for the Microsoft Azure platform. It has excellent features that are not available in Standard Edition and Data Center Edition. For example, the Hot Patch feature allows you to install updates without restarting the server, and Server Message Block via QUIC provides access to shared files without the need for a VPN over the network.
Windows 2022 Azure Edition runs virtual machines on the Azure Stack Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) operating system, known for its security, performance, and new hybrid capabilities.
Windows Server 2022 Essential Edition
It is designed for small organizations that support a maximum of 25 users and 50 devices. It lacks features like a dashboard, client backup, and access anywhere. It supports processors with a max of 10 cores.
Hardware requirements for installing Windows 2022 server
Microsoft publishes minimum hardware requirements for servers to run satisfactorily. If the minimum requirements are not met, the installation will most likely will not complete.
The main requirements are:
Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 64-bit compatible
RAM (Storage): 512 MB and 2 GB for server with the option to install Desktop Experience.
Network: NIC card with a minimum bandwidth of 1 GBPS
HDD: 32GB
Now let’s discuss the top 8 features of the increasingly popular Windows 2022 server.
Server Hardware Improvements
One major improvement in Windows 2022 is that server hardware limitations have been extended to the highest level. The server 2022 supports 48 terabytes of memory and 2,048 logical cores running on 64 physical sockets.
It also supports Intel’s Ice Lake SGX processor, which helps isolate sensitive data in an encrypted processor enclave during processing.
Storage Enhancements
The innovation at the storage level represents one of the major improvements on Windows 2022 servers. Daily data management has become a problem for data engineers. In such scenarios, advanced storage upgrades are built into the 2022 servers:
Advanced caching: Automatically stores important data on faster storage volumes and less critical data on slower volumes. This allows for faster access to read and write operations.
Faster, Manageable Storage Improvements: Fixes the hard drive faster in case of server restart or hardware failure.
ReFS file snapshots: ReFS snapshots use a unique method known as fast metadata operations to take snapshots of data at constant time, regardless of size.