Credentials in computer networking

Credentials are required for users who want to log on to a network and access its resources. Credentials, which are formed by combining a user’s username and password, identify users so that they can be authenticated by the network security provider.

Credentials for access to one network do not guarantee access to another network.

In networks based on Microsoft Windows Server Systems, computers called domain controllers are responsible for the authentication of users’ credentials.

In addition, trust relationships can be established between Windows domains to allow users’ credentials to be authenticated from anywhere in the enterprise. Windows support single-user login, which allows a user to use a single set of credentials for accessing resources anywhere on a network.