Definition of server-based network on Network Encyclopedia.
What is a Server-based network?
A Server-based network is a network in which network security and storage are managed centrally by one or more servers.
How Server-based Networks Work?
In a server-based network, special computers called servers handle network tasks such as authenticating users, storing files, managing printers, and running applications such as database and e-mail programs. Security is generally centralized in a security provider, which allows users to have one user account for logging on to any computer in the network. Because files are stored centrally, they can be easily secured and backed up.
Server-based networks are more costly and complex to set up and administer than peer-to-peer networks, and they often require the services of a full-time network administrator. They are ideal for businesses that are concerned about security and file integrity and have more than 10 computers.
Microsoft Windows 2012 or Windows 2016 are ideal operating systems for server-based networks. They offer centralized network administration, networking that is easy to set up and configure, NTFS file system security, file and print sharing, user profiles that allow multiple users to share one computer or allow one user to log on to many computers, Routing and Remote Access for supporting mobile users, and Internet Information Services (IIS) for establishing an intranet or Internet presence.
