Although most devices connected to a network are computers and smart phones, many business networks will have a server. Servers are one or more computers or programs used to provide functionality to other computers or programs. They ‘serve’ information and data in support of the other devices.
In an office setting, for example, the server will usually hold a ‘shared’ drive. This is where multiple users can save files, giving everyone access to the same information.
Another example is a ‘proxy server’ which would be used to allow employees working remotely to connect to a company’s local network without being blocked by the security protocol.
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Additionally, a server may enforce policies set by management. It will act as ‘parental controls’ to limit what websites an employee may go to on a company computer.
These are just a few examples of what a server can do to support a network.