2.3 - Server Roles

Question 1

DNS Server

Answer 1

Resolves domain names to IP addresses.
Example: converts google.com → 142.250.x.x
If DNS fails, users can’t browse using names but may still access sites via IP.

Exam trigger:
“Users cannot resolve hostnames.”

Question 2

DHCP Server

Answer 2

Automatically assigns IP configuration (IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS).
Prevents manual configuration on each device.

Exam trigger:
“Devices getting APIPA addresses (169.254.x.x).”

Question 3

File Server

Answer 3

Provides centralized file storage over the network.
Often uses SMB (port 445).

Exam trigger:
“Users cannot access shared network drive.”

Question 4

Print Server

Answer 4

Manages network printers and print jobs.
Allows multiple users to share printers.

Exam trigger:
“Print queue management” or “shared printer access.”

Question 5

Mail Server

Answer 5

Sends and receives email.
Uses SMTP (send), POP3/IMAP (receive).

Exam trigger:
“Users cannot send email but can receive.”

Question 6

Syslog Server

Answer 6

Collects log messages from network devices and servers.
Used for centralized monitoring and troubleshooting.

Exam trigger:
“Centralized logging system.”

Question 7

Web Server

Answer 7

Hosts websites and web applications.
Uses HTTP (80) or HTTPS (443).

Exam trigger:
“Internal company portal inaccessible.”

Question 8

AAA Server (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting)

Answer 8

Controls user identity and access permissions.
Tracks who logged in and what they did.

Authentication = Who are you?
Authorization = What can you access?
Accounting = What did you do?

Exam trigger:
“User cannot log in to network resources.”

Question 9

Database Server

Answer 9

Stores and manages structured data.
Supports applications like websites and enterprise software.

Exam trigger:
“Application loads but no data appears.”

Question 10

NTP Server (Network Time Protocol)

Answer 10

Synchronizes time across network devices.
Critical for logging accuracy and authentication systems.

Exam trigger:
“Time mismatch causing login failures.”

Question 11

DNS vs DHCP

Answer 11

DNS = Name resolution
DHCP = IP assignment

Question 12

File Server vs Database Server

Answer 12

File Server = Stores files
Database Server = Stores structured application data

Question 13

Proxy vs UTM

Answer 13

Proxy = Traffic filtering/intermediary
UTM = Full security suite

Question 14

Exam Pattern Warning

Answer 14

CompTIA loves:

“User receives 169.254.x.x” → DHCP issue

“Cannot browse by name but IP works” → DNS issue

“Users receive phishing emails” → Spam gateway

“Time mismatch across domain” → NTP

“High web traffic crashing server” → Load balancer