A+ Certification Exam Notes : Networking

2.4 Summarize the following services provided by networked hosts

Server roles

Servers provide various services to client computers on the network. Some common server roles include:

DNS: Domain Name System servers translate domain names into IP addresses, allowing clients to access resources on the Internet or other networks.

DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol servers assign IP addresses and other network configuration information to clients automatically, simplifying network management.

Fileshare: File sharing servers allow clients to access files and other resources on the network, providing a central location for shared data and documents.

Print servers: Print servers provide a centralized way to manage and share printers on the network, allowing multiple clients to print to the same device.

Mail servers: Mail servers provide email services for clients, allowing users to send and receive messages.

Syslog: Syslog servers collect and store logs from network devices and systems, providing a centralized way to monitor and troubleshoot network issues.

Web servers: Web servers host websites and other web-based applications, providing access to content over the Internet or other networks.

AAA: Authentication, authorization, and accounting servers provide a central point for managing user access to network resources, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data or applications.

Internet appliances

Spam gateways: Filter and block unwanted email messages (spam), preventing them from reaching users' inboxes.

Unified threat management (UTM): Provide a single platform for managing multiple security functions, including firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, antivirus, content filtering, and virtual private networking (VPN).

Load balancers: Distribute network traffic across multiple servers to ensure efficient use of resources, increase capacity, and improve reliability and performance.

Proxy servers: Intercept and forward network traffic between hosts, acting as an intermediary to enhance security, privacy, and speed.

Legacy/embedded systems

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA): Monitor and control industrial processes and equipment, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and transportation systems, using sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Internet of Things (IoT) devices: Smart home devices, wearables, and other connected devices that can exchange data over the internet, such as temperature sensors, light bulbs, security cameras, and smart speakers. These devices often use wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee to communicate with each other and with cloud-based services.