What is the main function of a master server?

The main function of a master server is to manage secondary servers in a network. This role is crucial in a distributed system where multiple servers may be handling varying data or applications. The master server ensures efficient coordination and management of these secondary servers, allowing them to function smoothly and cohesively. It assigns tasks, oversees performance, and may also handle failover processes to ensure that service remains uninterrupted.

In the context of other options, controlling access to files is typically a function of file servers, which are designed to manage data access but do not necessarily coordinate multiple servers. Processing requests for data storage relates more to storage management systems rather than a master server, which has a broader managerial role. Running web hosting services involves serving web pages to users but is not the primary purpose of a master server, which focuses on overseeing and managing the architecture of the server network.