Server Hardware

Aamir Nasir Khan

Objectives
Explain the difference between a server and PC Identify the components of a server Explain the different types of server

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Server
To provide high availability and redundancy, hardware used in servers are different as compared to a normal desktop. Server is a device with a set of hardware and software, provides various services to other machines or computers on the network to do some certain tasks. Servers are dedicated, high-reliability computers that are generally used to support multi-user business applications
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Difference between Server and PC - I

Server PC Uses Xeon or Itanium processor in Uses single desktop processor multiple numbers Multiple Hard disks are used Single hard disk is used

Higher memory capacity and in Lower memory capacity and less multiple numbers e.g. 2 or 4 or 8 in number e.g. 1 or 2.
Network capability is better Normal network capability

Serves more number of users e.g. Are built for individual user 100 or 500 or 1000 Structure is more advanced and Simple structure complex
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Difference between Server and PC - II

Requires redundant system to cope Doesnt have redundant system. with failure. Can run 24*7 Operate for normal hours e.g. 8 hours per day

Supports hardware RAID More number of expansion slots More number of cooling fans e.g. 4 or 8 Huge size and weight Can be tower or rack or blade model More number of SMPSs e.g. 2 or 3 which are hot swappable
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Doesnt support RAID Less number of expansion slots Less number of cooling fans e.g. 1 or 2 Less size and weight Only tower model Single normal SMPS is used
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Difference between Server and PC - III

Hot swappable hard drives are used Cannot be assembled Difficult troubleshooting Requires more power and cooling More noisy because of multiple fans Less down time and higher availability and fault tolerance Manufactures are IBM, HP, Sun and Dell Cost starting from Rs. 40000
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Normal hard drive is used Can be assembled Easy troubleshooting Requires less power and cooling Less noisy More down time and no fault tolerance Manufactures are HCL, Wipro, Lenovo, and Compaq Cost starting from Rs. 20000
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Types of Server
Entry Level
Mid Range High End

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Entry Level Server

Mainly used for running server applications such as file sharing, print sharing, Web serving, low volume email and business automation applications.

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Mid Range Server

A medium sized server which consists of a platform hardware and operating system together to support the operating environment for applications. Mid range server comes with a built in database to serve a smaller group of users.

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High End Server

Provides a web hosting environment with high server availability such as high performance, reliability and high speed. Designed to achieve supercomputer level of performance.

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Question for GD

Time Limit 5 Mins

What are the different types of servers?

Sl. Types of Servers

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Components of a Server - I
RAID Controller - A disk controller card that supports one or more RAID configurations. RAID controller can either embedded in the motherboard or come in the form of PCI expansion cards.

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Components of a Server - II
SAS/SCSI Hot Swappable HD - SAS/SCSI hot swappable drives allow users to remove the faulty hard disk and insert a new disk without doing power off the server. Most of the modern server has the ability to use hot swappable hard disks along with disk array. SAS/SCSI hot swappable HDs are usually located in a caddy or tray inside the server
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Components of a Server - III

Backplane - Circuit board which connects several connectors in parallel to each other. Each pin of the connector connects with corresponding pin of all other connectors and forms a computer bus. Server commonly has backplane to attach hot swappable hard drives.
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Components of a Server - IV
SCSI Cable - SCSI cables are used to connect and transfer data between computer and peripheral devices such hard disks. SCSI cable length range from 6 meters to 25 meters. ECC RAM - Used for detecting and correcting error during storage and transmission of data in server. There are certain kinds of RAM which use this technique to correct the data errors.
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Components of a Server - V
Fan - Used to remove the heat produced inside the server. Server fans are located inside a bay. Commonly server contains 3, 4, 6 or 8 fans to cool the system. Hot Swappable SMPS - Two or more SMPS are attached to a single machine. If any one of the SMPS is not working, other one takes the control.
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Window Pane
Draw a window pane on different components of a Server.

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Summary I
Server is a device with a set of hardware and software, which provides various services to other machines or computers on the network. Main features, which differentiate a server from other computer system are performance, scalability, availability, reliability and redundancy. Major components of server are RAID controller, ECC memory, Backplane, Fans, SCSI Hot swappable HDD, SCSI cables and Hot swappable SMPS. RAID controller is a disk controller card that supports one or more RAID configurations. SAS/SCSI hot swappable drives allows the user to remove the faulty hard disk and insert a new disk without doing power off the server. Server commonly has backplane to attach hot swappable hard drives.

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Summary II
SCSI cables are used to connect and transfer data between computer and peripheral devices such hard disks. ECC RAM is used for detecting and correcting error during storage and transmission of data in server. Entry level servers are used to run several server applications such as file sharing, print sharing, Web serving, low volume email and business automation applications. Mid range server is used for more intensive database storage and retrieval functions. High end server provides a web hosting environment with Chapter 2 Slide 19 of 21 high server availability.

Explorative Work
Refer to Internet, reference books or magazine to get the information. Do not copy the information provided in this text book. Consult your faculty for further guidance.
Server
Sl. Make 1 2 3 4 5 Specification Type Warranty RAID Support Approx. Cost

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Mind Map
Draw a mind map to summarize this chapter

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