communication server

A communications server is either a stand-alone computer or a collection of hardware modules and software modules within a general system. Such a communications server performs communications tasks for the connected clients, from establishing simple connections to managing mail services and organizing network traffic.

The range of services includes communication between two communication partners and connected peripheral devices.

Communication servers are functional units that enable communication between LAN stations and subscribers outside the local area network (LAN). They also occur in connection with PC host coupling. Here they realize the transition from LAN-specific protocols to the protocols of the host world. Communication servers include fax servers, file servers, mail servers, messaging servers and various others.