Server help

l11h · May 20, 2013

hi,

I am interested in how servers work meaning the ones used in enterprise or commercial world, the 1U servers and all of that. The problem is I do not know anything about them or it's very little. I was wandering if there is a book or some online resource that tells you information about servers and the layout. I'm the same with enterprise grade routers, like what all the ports mean, what the purpose of them are.

I understand the software that goes on servers such as linux or Windows Server. The problem I have is the hardware. I've not found a good source for the hardware section of servers this is both router / switches to the server themselves. Am I correct in saying a server is basically a normal computer optimized for 24/7 use and has some extra features?

I was also thinking will it be of any benefit to me if I buy a cheap 2nd hand Cisco router and a cheap 1U server just to mess about with it, obviously it wont be on 24/7, but just so that I can understand the hardware better, i'm more of an hands on guy. If this route is of any use to me, what router and server do you recommend me buying? I do not really care if it's not energy efficient or if it's loud as I said this is for testing purposes only and will not be on 24/7.

Finally, where is the best place to get more information about this stuff? Are there any books you recommend or online resources? I do not mind paying for the materials if the price is not stupid lol.

ty for all your help :)

Cheesebaron · May 20, 2013

The get started on Networking I recommend either take a course in it at a nearby university or find some CCNA or books going through the OSI model. That is a pretty good start. The cisco CCNA books will explain professional switches pretty thoroughly and guide you through how to set them up for different scenarios. Also most of the information found in the CCNA books is applicable for other switch and router makes. Cisco also provides some emulators for the operating system (IOS) that runs on their switches, which is good for tinkering.

About servers, they are just hardware just like any other computer, however they use parts that have fail-overs and is made for 24/7 use. The more interesting part is how the servers are set-up software wise, as there are almost endless possibilities of how to configure them and for what purpose.

As for getting a second hand router or switch, I'd go for either Cisco or HP ProCurve units or maybe an Allied Telesis. You wont get a router for cheap, but a Layer 3 switch such as a HP ProCurve 2610 or 2850 could get you very far (don't know the Cisco or AT equivalents, as I mainly use HP switches).

l11h · May 20, 2013

ty for all your help cheesebaron. I know the OSI well the basics of it and what the basic functionality of each layer is. So the theory stuff behind how it all works i'm fine with I understand that.

Like I said i'm struggling on the hardware side. For example: what the ports on the router actually do, their functionality. But I will do what as you said and I will buy a CCNA book it should help me further understand the OSI model in detail and understand what the ports on the router do and how to configure the router.

so ty for all your cheesebaron you have been of great help :)