A communication server is a computer system designed to handle a wide array of communications-based applications. These servers connect to a wide variety of different platforms in a completely seamless manor, allowing different systems to talk to each other without interference. These servers are open and carrier-grade, which allows anyone to connect to them with the understanding that the communication will be both safe and reliable. The server’s communication focus and flexibility make it the backbone of many communication and Internet systems.
The primary purpose of a communication server is aiding the interaction of networked systems. These computers may be in the same building or on different continents, as distance really doesn’t matter. The two systems that wish to communicate connect to a single communication server or a chain of connected servers until they are connected with each other. The communication server acts as an intermediary, allowing systems running different applications and protocols to talk to one another.
There are four hallmarks of a good communication server. The server needs to be open; as in, it may accept connections from just about anybody. In order for a server system to truly be open, it must use the industry-standard software and communication protocols for multiple types of communication systems. This means that when a system accesses the server, the specific protocols for that system pick up the connection. If the server then transmits that information to a different type of system, it leaves the system using a different set of protocols.
Next, a communication server must be a carrier-grade system. This generally means that it has two features. The server possesses redundant options in case of failure. If a specific piece of hardware or software fails, the server possesses backups that come online instantly to keep the system running. In addition, the server needs a long-term design; it needs to run on its own without restarts or power-downs for extended periods of time.
These servers are flexible in their usage. A good communication server has the ability to connect to and process information from a wide range of systems covering a wide range of topics. This typically means that the core server runs a collection of semi-independent modules that are specialized in connecting to specific types of systems. This flexibility, combined with the system’s open architecture, allows the server to work for many different purposes.
The last important point is the most obvious; the server needs a focus on communication protocols and software. Even if the hardware system does things outside of acting as a communications platform, it must give priority to the communication-based activities. If it prevents transmission because it is working on something else, information may be lost and communication disrupted for connected systems.