Domains and workgroups are different ways of organizing computers on local networks. It is very important to understand their advantages and disadvantages when choosing a network type.
Differences in application
If you are creating a local network, then this means that you need to configure a domain or workgroup so that all connected computers can communicate with each other. Regardless of whether you have a domain or a workgroup, it all depends on the system administrator and the size of the network. Workgroups are used when there are only a few computers in one location that need to be linked together. Domains, on the other hand, are for large companies with dozens of computers connected to the network. Computers from anywhere in the world can also connect to the domain using VPN technologies.
Workgroup and Domain Creation Process
Workgroups are inherently easier to create than domains. You just need to connect several computers using a switch and create a new workgroup. You can also join them to the workgroup that you already have. In order to create a domain, you first need to configure a domain controller. This is the computer that authenticates the users who want to connect and provides them with the requested data. Domain controllers are also essential when adding an extra layer of security. For domains, you can use a double security system: common for the domain and separate for each computer. In a workgroup, antivirus is installed for each computer individually.
Adding new users
Although a domain is more difficult to create than a workgroup, it provides scalability for the entire system. This makes a huge difference in business expansion. Adding users or computers to a workgroup would mean that all of them (computers, users) must be configured for each account. This takes a lot of time and is rather inconvenient, especially when the number of computers is measured in dozens. In a domain, an administrator can do all this on one terminal in a very short time. In addition to scalability, domains are also very structured and allow you to define which services or folders are available to a particular user. This feature is not available in workgroups and anyone connected to a workgroup can access all services and resources.
Conclusions:
1. Workgroups are convenient for small networks, while domains are used to create networks in medium and large companies.
2. Workgroups are easy to create, and domain implementation is more complex and time consuming.
3. Domain management is based on a controller, which is more secure than workgroups.
4. Adding a new user to a domain is much easier than to a workgroup
5. You can assign resources to specific accounts in domains, but not in workgroups.
