What is an RPC server?

An RPC server (Remote Procedure Call Server) is a network communication interface that simplifies remote connection and communication between systems in a client/server model.

It allows a client computer to request the execution of programs or services on a remote server as if they were local. The server, known as the RPC server, listens for requests from RPC clients and responds by executing the requested procedures and returning the results.

An RPC server manages all communication and conversations between the client and server. It handles requests such as data retrieval, application access, and server services. The communication between the RPC client and server is abstracted, allowing developers to invoke functions on remote systems without needing to manage the underlying network protocols. An RPC client and an RPC server can reside on different machines or a single machine.

Common examples of RPC servers include Microsoft Exchange Server, which uses RPC to provide access to server-based email, calendaring, and other services. RPC servers are critical in distributed computing environments, enabling inter-process communication (IPC) across different systems on a network.