. Computers in a network can be part of workgroup or domain.
. Difference is that how resources in network is managed.
. Computers in home network is a workgroup and computers in offices is domain.
. Difference is that how resources in network is managed.
. Computers in home network is a workgroup and computers in offices is domain.
What is Workgroup?
. Peer-to-peer connected computers using Microsoft software.
. Each computer acts as both client and server and has its own database and security principles.
. Each computer has set of user accounts. If we wanted to use any computer on that workgroup, we need to have account on that computer.
. All computers must be on same local network and shares files, printers, internet in that network.
. Workgroup can contain only 10-20 computers together.
Advantages:
. Easy to share resources.
. Expertized administration is not required.
. Easy to implement and less expensive.
. Suitable to connect computer in small network.
Disadvantages:
. No centralized data administration.
. Security is minimal.
. There will be no control over resources.
. Not suitable to connect more than 20 computers.
What is Domain?
. One or number of computers in domain are servers called "domain controllers".
. It maintains client- server relationship.
. Network administrator handle data in the server and provides security.
. Computers can be from different networks.
. In order to login to the server, we can use user account of that particular domain. No need to have separate account on each computer.
. It can connect 1000s of computers.
Advantages:
. Centralized data administration.
. Security of data, user and groups.
. User can log on from any workstation and use resources.
. Connects computers from worldwide upto some 1000s.
Disadvantages:
. More complex to administer domain controller.
Workgroup Vs Domain:
| Property | Workgroup | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Peer-to-peer | Client-server |
| Database | Each computer has different database | Database exists in domain controller |
| Security | Individually given to each computer | Provided by domain controller |
| Connections | Only in a single LAN | Worldwide connecting multiple LANS |
| No.of computers | 10-20 | To some 1000s |
| Administration | No need | Needs administration to domain controller |
| How to log in | Each computer has separate user account | Access to domain controller is enough. We can connect to any computer using our account which is stored in it. |
| How to make changes | Individual computer need to make separate changes | Changes in domain controller effects total connected computers in that domain |
| Applications | Home, small offices | Large business networks |
| Implementation | Simple | Complex |