How to Check if You’re Using Nginx or Apache: Benefits and Steps

• What is Nginx?

• What is Apache?

• Why Server Identification Matters?

• Difference Between Nginx and Apache

• How to Check Whether Nginx or Apache Is Being Used?

• Comparing 2 Major Server Identification Techniques

• FAQs

• Summary

What is Nginx?

Nginx is an open-source web server. It offers high performance and low resource usage.

Igor Sysoev developed the server in 2004 to solve the C10K problem. It handles 10,000+ simultaneous connections. Nginx uses an event-driven, asynchronous architecture to serve web traffic.

Beyond serving static content, it also functions as a load balancer and HTTP cache. Nginx helps improve the performance and scalability of dynamic web applications. It is by distributing the load across various servers.

The web server supports HTTPS and URL rewriting. It comes with a lightweight footprint and the ability to handle concurrent connections. It is ideal for high-traffic websites and APIs.

Businesses and developers that host and secure web applications adopt the server. It is across diverse environments. Nginx is the default web server in CloudPanel. It powers site delivery with optimized configurations and smooth management.

What is Apache?

Apache is also called Apache HTTP server. It is a widely-used, open-source web server software.

Apache Software Foundation developed te server in 1995. It is one of the first web servers to gain massive popularity. It is due to its flexibility and extensive features.

The server works by handling client requests and serving web content. These include HTML pages and scripts.

Apache uses a process-based or thread-based architecture. It creates a new process or thread for each connection. It is easy to configure and extend through a rich module system.

The software supports dynamic content with modules like URL rewriting and SSL encryption. It is customizable and runs on many operating systems. It is a popular choice for web hosting and development environments.

CloudPanel uses Nginx by default. Apache can be integrated for developers needing compatibility with .htaccess or specific PHP handling.

Why Server Identification Matters?

1. Impact on Performance Optimization Strategies

Different web servers have unique architectures and performance characteristics. Knowing the server type allows administrators to:

• Tailor caching and connection handling settings to the server’s strengths.

• Optimize resource usage, such as CPU and RAM. It depends on how the server handles concurrent connections.

• Apply server-specific best practices. Tuning worker_processes in Nginx or MaxRequestWorkers in Apache.

2. Security Implications and Vulnerability Patching

Each server type has distinct security profiles and patch cycles:

• Identifying the server helps track known vulnerabilities and ensure timely updates. CVEs are specific to Apache or Nginx.

• Proper identification helps configure mod_security rules and rate limiting.

• Preventing information leakage through server headers. It depends on knowing how your server discloses identity.

3. Configuration Requirements for Applications

Web applications often depend on server-specific features:

• Certain applications or frameworks may need modules or configurations. These are only available on a specific server. .htaccess for Apache or fastCGI support for Nginx.

• Configuration syntax and behavior differ, such as rewrite rules and header handling. Knowing the server ensures accurate setup.

• Server identification ensures compatibility with content delivery strategies or load balancers.

4. Migration Planning Considerations

When moving between environments or providers:

• Identifying the current server helps plan equal configurations on the new platform.

• Avoids downtime caused by feature mismatches. These include missing modules or incompatible directives.

• Aids in assessing whether the target environment supports existing application setups. Or it needs rewriting of server rules.

Difference Between Nginx and Apache

Feature	Nginx	Apache
1. Architecture	It is event-driven and asynchronous. It is also non-blocking I/O.	It is process-based or thread-based and synchronous.
2. Handling Connections	It handles thousands of concurrent connections. It handles them in a single or a few threads with low memory.	It creates a new process or thread for each connection. It leads to higher resource and memory usage.
3. Performance	It is excellent for static content and high concurrency. It uses less CPU and memory.	It is good for dynamic content. It is less efficient under very high traffic and at high concurrency. It is due to heavier resource use.
4. Configuration	It uses a simple declarative syntax and centralized configuration. There are no per-directory config files.	It uses a global config with many directives. There are per-directory .htaccess files for granular control.
5. Modules	You can compile the modules at build time. There is no dynamic loading.	It supports dynamic module loading. It is easy to enable or disable without recompilation.
6. Reverse Proxy & Load Balancing	It is built-in and very efficient. You can optimize and use them across.	Modules support them. It is less efficient, optimized, and more complex.
7. Operating System Support	It is best on Unix/Linux. Windows support is also available, but is limited.	It is best on a cross-platform. It is stable on Unix/Linux and Windows.
8. Security Features	It offers built-in rate limiting and request filtering. It also offers SSL termination.	It offers extensive modules for authentication, SSL, and access control.
9. Use Case	High-traffic static sites, reverse proxy, and load balancers use them.	Dynamic websites and legacy apps use them. It is where we need .htaccess and module flexibility.

How to Check Whether Nginx or Apache Is Being Used?

1. Using HTTP Response Headers

You can often identify the server software by checking the HTTP headers. The website sends them in response to a request.

Best for:

• Users without server access.

• Quick identification.

• External analysis.

Tools:

• Curl, command line.

• Browser developer tools, like Chrome DevTools.

• Online header checkers.

Some servers hide or change the Server header for security. It shows "Server: webserver". The method is non-invasive but may be inconclusive if we use obfuscation.

2. Check Running Processes

If you have terminal access, such as SSH or direct login. You can check what processes are running to determine the web server.

Best for:

• System administrators.

• Full control over the server.

Output:

• If you see nginx processes. It means Nginx is running.

• If you see Apache2 or httpd processes. It means Apache is running.

Tip:

• Use systemctl status for confirmation.

3. Check Installed Packages

If you are unsure what is running, checking installed packages can help.

Best for:

• Identifying installed but not running services.

• Verifying setup on a new machine.

Output:

• Nginx is installed, which means Nginx is likely running or configured.

• Apache2 or httpd installed means the installation of Apache.

The presence of packages does not guarantee they are currently active.

4. Check Server Configuration Files

If you have file system access, look for server-specific config files.

Best for:

• Confirming the configuration if we have both installed.

• Troubleshooting or migration prep.

Look for:

Nginx

• /etc/nginx/nginx.conf

• /etc/nginx/sites-available/

Apache

• /etc/apache2/apache2.conf (Debian/Ubuntu)

• /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf (RHEL/CentOS)

The presence of .htaccess in web directories usually means Apache is in use.

Tip:

• If we use .htaccess → Apache

• If configs reference server {} blocks → Nginx

5. Use Online Tools

These tools analyze HTTP headers and attempt to identify the web server.

Best for:

• Auditing third-party servers.
• Quick external tests.

Tools:

• https://securityheaders.com

• https://tools.keycdn.com/http2-test

• https://www.whoishostingthis.com/tools/user-agent/

The same caveat as curl applies if we obfuscate the server header. The results may not show accurate server information.

Comparing 2 Major Server Identification Techniques

1. Instant Server Stack Identification

In CLI:

• Needs various commands across services.

In CloudPanel:

• Shows the Nginx version and MySQL/MariaDB version. It also shows PHP versions and CPU usage immediately on the dashboard.

• Each site or app also shows its assigned PHP version and whether Nginx serves it.

• There is no terminal.

• There is no guesswork.

2. One-Click Configuration

In CLI:

• Editing files like /etc/nginx/nginx.conf or .htaccess, then restarting services.

In CloudPanel:

• Click on Customize PHP limits and Nginx rules. Then, click on SSL settings and caching options via dropdowns and sliders.

• Auto-generates Nginx vHost files behind the scenes.

• Error-proof, guided interface that writes the configs for you.

3. Service Management

In CLI:

• Restart MySQL.

• Switch PHP versions, install, and relink.

In CloudPanel:

• Start/stop/restart any service with a single click, such as Nginx or PHP-FPM.

• Switch PHP versions per site from a dropdown.

• It is great for developers running various PHP applications with different versions.

4. Access Control & Security

In CLI:

• Create users and assign shell access.

• Configure sudoers and manage firewall rules.

In CloudPanel:

• GUI-based user creation with admin or developer roles.

• Automatic integration with fail2ban to protect from brute-force attacks.

• Set up secure FTP/SFTP or shell access permissions for each user.

• Simplifies user management and hardens security by default.

5. Integrated Monitoring

In CLI:

• Use htop or install the Prometheus/Grafana stack.

In CloudPanel:

• Built-in monitoring dashboard with:

  1. CPU usage

  2. Memory and disk space

  3. Network throughput

  4. Database and service activity

• It does not need any external monitoring setup.

6. Application & Site Management

In CLI:

• Set up Nginx vHost

• Set file permissions

• Install SSL

• Configure DNS

In CloudPanel:

• Add new websites in seconds:

  1. Choose the PHP version

  2. Auto-install SSL with Let’s Encrypt

  3. Configure DNS and firewall rules

  4. Set project root and permissions

• It is best for agencies or users managing many domains/sites.

7. Backups & Automation

In CLI:

• Write custom cron jobs or scripts to tar, rsync, or push to S3.

In CloudPanel:

• Scheduled local or remote backups via GUI.

• Set daily/weekly intervals or choose backup paths. Integrate them with cloud storage.

• Removes the risk of misconfigured backups.

FAQs

1. How can I hide which web server I use for security?

Configure your server to remove or change the "Server" header in responses. For Nginx, use server_tokens off and extra header modification. For Apache, use ServerTokens Prod and ServerSignature Off directives.

2. Is Nginx faster than Apache in all scenarios?

Nginx generally outperforms Apache for static content and high-concurrency scenarios. Apache can be faster for dynamic content, especially when using the Event MPM. Your specific use case and optimization efforts matter more than the server choice.

3. Can I run Nginx and Apache on the same server?

Nginx runs as a reverse proxy on port 80/443. It forwards requests to Apache running on an internal port. The setup combines Nginx's handling of static content with Apache's flexibility.

4. How do I convert Apache .htaccess rules to Nginx configuration?

Translate Apache's .htaccess directives to Nginx's configuration syntax. It is in the server or location blocks. Rewrite rules, in particular, use different syntax. Apache uses mod_rewrite, while Nginx uses its rewrite module.

5. What signs should I migrate from Apache to Nginx?

Consider migration to Nginx if you are experiencing high server load during traffic. Also, if you experience memory consumption issues or configuration complexity. Nginx's event-driven architecture often provides better resource use for high-traffic websites.

Summary

Check if you have Nginx or Apache, each comes with its unique strengths and architecture. The tutorial explores the key points of the difference, including:

• Nginx is event-driven and ideal for handling high-traffic static sites and reverse proxying.

• Apache is flexible and better suited for dynamic content and legacy applications.

• Identification methods include checking HTTP headers and running processes.

• CloudPanel simplifies server management with a visual dashboard and integrated monitoring.

Take control of your web server with CloudPanel, a free hosting control panel. Manage Nginx or Apache and configure sites.