36 Server Terms You Need To Know
Fibre Channel
A 2-Gbps networking technology that is often used to connect storage area networks.
See more: SAN Wars: ISCSI Vs. Fibre Channel
Hot Swappable
Describes a component (especially a hard drive) that can be unplugged from a server while the server is running. With hot-swappable components, a server doesn't have to be shut down for emergency repairs.
KVM Switch
Allows multiple servers (rack-mounted, in particular) to share the same keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse, thereby reducing a variety of costs and enhancing IT center productivity. LAN (Local Area Network) A network (typically Ethernet) located inside a building or office that connects computers to each other, to servers, and typically to routers that connect them all to the Internet.
Mini-Tower
A beefed-up PC intended for use as a server, equipped with redundant components, room for additional drives, and, often, additional monitoring and control features.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
Circuitry that connects a device to a network. A NIC is usually an Ethernet port that is often integral to the machine rather than an add-on circuit card. A second NIC may be added to allow simultaneous connections to a local area network and the Internet.
Operating System
The basic software of a computer or server that allows applications to run and use its components, such as drives and network interfaces. An OS must be designed to run on a particular piece of hardware, while an application must be designed to run on a particular OS, such as Windows Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Power Supply
The device inside a server that converts AC power from a wall outlet into the DC power that runs the server's circuits. Many servers have more than one, for redundancy.
Processor
The part of a computer that actually performs operations on data. All other parts of the computer merely feed data to the processor or display results. Modern processors (a.k.a. the CPU) are invariably embodied in discrete processor chips, such as the Intel Xeon or the AMD Opteron. The latest models often have multiple cores.
Rack Unit
The standard height of a rack-mounted server, equal to 1.75 inches. A server rated 2U is 3.5 inches tall and consumes two rack units. A standard rack is 42 units high.
Rack
A metal frame into which rack-mounted servers are bolted. A standard rack is 19 inches wide and 42 rack units tall. See Rack Unit.
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
A standard storage system in which data is distributed across multiple hard drives to speed access and prevent data loss. The multiple drives appear to a processor as a single disk drive. RAID is categorized by ascending numbers starting with 0. RAID 0 allows for faster data access, RAID 1 allows for automatic disk-mirroring, and RAID 5 uses three (or more) disk drives to recover from the loss of any one disk drive. Other levels are rarely seen.
See more: Bigger Budgets Pave Way For Better Storage Options
Redundancy
The inclusion of a second, unused component in a system to take over the function of an identical, primary component should the latter fail. Servers, for instance, often have redundant power supplies.
See more: Planning For Disaster
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