Blade server is a type of computer system that combines multiple servers into a single device, allowing for space-saving and efficient use of resources. The word 'blade' is spelled with the IPA symbol /bleɪd/, representing the long vowel sound in the first syllable and the voiced consonant in the second. The spelling follows English phonetic rules, where the vowel sound is represented by 'a' and the voiced consonant by 'd'. The word 'server' is spelled with the IPA symbol /sɜːvə(r)/, representing the unstressed schwa sound in the second syllable and the rhotic consonant at the end.
A blade server is a compact, high-density computer server that is specifically designed for space optimization and energy efficiency in data centers. It is a complete server unit with its own processing power, memory, and storage, contained within a single chassis or enclosure.
The primary characteristic of a blade server is its blade form factor. Blade servers are thin, rectangular server modules that are stacked vertically or horizontally in a blade enclosure. Each blade module, also known as a blade, is a self-contained server with its own dedicated resources. Multiple blade servers can be mounted in a single enclosure, allowing for dense server consolidation.
The blade enclosure provides power, cooling, networking, and management infrastructure to all the blades. It includes a backplane, which acts as a central interface for connecting the blades to the enclosure components.
Blade servers offer several advantages over traditional rack-mounted servers. They enable better space utilization as multiple servers can be housed in a smaller footprint, leading to increased server density. Blade servers also help in reducing power consumption and cooling requirements, resulting in improved energy efficiency. Additionally, the centralized management capabilities of blade enclosures simplify server administration and maintenance.
Overall, blade servers are an attractive choice for organizations seeking to maximize their data center resources while minimizing physical space, power usage, and IT management efforts.
The word "blade server" is a combination of the terms "blade" and "server".
The term "blade" originated from the idea of compact, thin, and efficient computer components that can fit into limited physical spaces. It refers to the slender profile and compact form factor of server hardware.
The term "server" derives from the Latin word "servus", meaning "servant". In the context of computing, a server is a computer or device that provides specific services to other computers or clients connected to a network.
Therefore, a "blade server" refers to a type of server that utilizes thin, compact, and modular hardware units, called "blades", to maximize space efficiency and minimize power consumption while providing necessary server functionalities.