ServerName

A server name, often referred to as a hostname or fully qualified domain name (FQDN), is an identifier assigned to a computer or service within a network. It is used to distinguish the device from others and to route client requests to the correct host. Server names are essential for network administration, logging, and access control.

In practice, server names are resolved through the Domain Name System (DNS). A name like server.example.com maps to an IP address, enabling clients to reach the intended machine or service. A host name may be a simple label within an internal network, while an FQDN includes the domain portion, providing a globally unique identifier. NetBIOS and similar naming schemes serve analogous purposes in different environments.

Within web servers and other services, server names play a formal role in configuration. Web servers use directives such as ServerName or server_name to determine which host or virtual host responds to a request. This enables multiple domains to be hosted on a single server. In TLS, the client-provided server name (via SNI, the server name indication) helps the server select the appropriate certificate for encrypted connections.

Server names are also important for security and maintenance. Consistent naming aids in access control, monitoring, and incident response. They must be managed to avoid name collisions, ensure accurate routing, and reflect organizational structure. Internal and external naming schemes may differ, requiring careful planning and documentation.

See also: hostname, DNS, FQDN, virtual hosting.