What is a Host Name?

Dear Dev, Welcome to this informative article about “host name vs server name”. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about these two terms and how they differ from each other. Both server name and host name are important in networking, but they serve different purposes. So, let’s get started and dive deeper into the topic.

A host name is a label or name that’s assigned to a device connected to a network. It’s a unique identifier given to a device that helps the network recognize it. Host names are usually assigned to devices by their users, and they can be anything from a person’s name to a random string of characters.

Each device on a network must have a unique host name; this is important for communication purposes. When you send a message to another device on a network, the message is sent to the host name of that device. The network then uses the host name to direct the message to the correct device.

The host name is usually a part of the device’s fully qualified domain name (FQDN). A FQDN is a complete domain name that specifies the device’s location on the internet. It includes the device’s host name, domain name, and top-level domain (TLD).

Why is a Host Name Important?

A host name is important because it helps a network identify and locate a device. Without a host name, a device would be harder to identify on a network, and communication would be more difficult.

In addition, a host name can help give a device a unique identity on the internet. For example, a website’s host name can be used to identify the website and differentiate it from other websites.

How to Set a Host Name

Setting a host name is usually a simple process. Here are the steps:

Step
Description
1
Open the Network and Sharing Center on your device
2
Click on the Change Adapter Settings link
3
Right-click on the network adapter you want to set the host name for and select Properties
4
Click the Configure button and then click on the Advanced tab
5
Select the Network Address option and enter the desired host name in the Value field
6
Click OK and then close the Properties window

Congratulations! You have successfully set a host name for your device.

A server name is a label or name that’s assigned to a server. It’s a unique identifier given to a server that helps the network recognize it. Server names are usually assigned by their administrators, and they can be anything from the server’s location to a descriptive name.

Server names are used to identify and locate servers on a network. When you connect to a server, you use its server name to connect to it. The network then uses the server name to direct your request to the correct server.

Why is a Server Name Important?

A server name is important because it helps a network identify and locate a server. Without a server name, it would be harder to identify and connect to a server. Communication with servers would be more difficult, and services would be less accessible.

In addition, a server name can help give a server a unique identity on the internet. For example, a website’s server name can be used to identify the server and differentiate it from other servers.

READ ALSO  SQL Server is Null

How to Set a Server Name

Setting a server name is usually a simple process. Here are the steps:

Step
Description
1
Open the Server Manager on your server
2
Click on the Local Server link
3
Click on the Computer Name link
4
Click on the Change button
5
Enter the desired server name in the Computer Name field
6
Click OK and then restart your server

Congratulations! You have successfully set a server name for your server.

Host name and server name are similar in that they’re both labels or names assigned to devices on a network. However, they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts.

A host name is assigned to a device connected to a network, and it’s used to identify the device and direct communication to it. A server name, on the other hand, is assigned to a server, and it’s used to identify and locate the server.

While both host name and server name are important in networking, they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts.

FAQs

Q1. Can a Device Have Multiple Host Names?

A device can have multiple host names, but each one must be unique. Multiple host names can be useful when a device serves multiple purposes or has multiple functions.

Q2. Can a Server Have Multiple Server Names?

A server can have multiple server names, but each one must be unique. Multiple server names can be useful when a server has multiple purposes or services.

Q3. Can a Host Name be a FQDN?

Yes, a host name can be part of a FQDN. In fact, a FQDN includes the host name, domain name, and TLD.

Q4. Can a Server Name be a FQDN?

Yes, a server name can be part of a FQDN. In fact, a FQDN includes the server name, domain name, and TLD.

Q5. Can a Host Name and a Server Name be the Same?

Yes, a host name and a server name can be the same. However, this is not recommended as it can cause confusion and make communication more difficult.

Conclusion

Host name and server name are both important in networking, but they serve different purposes. A host name is assigned to a device, and it’s used to identify the device and direct communication to it. A server name is assigned to a server, and it’s used to identify and locate the server. Both host name and server name are essential for proper network communication and accessibility.

We hope this article helped you understand the difference between host name and server name. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.