🗨️Work Group Network Setup
Idea of Work Group Network Setup
What is Work Group Network Setup ?
workgroup is a peer-to-peer network setup using Microsoft Windows operating system, It’s a group of computers on a local area network that share common resources(files, folders, printers,...) and responsibilities(the tasks each computer performs to support the shared network environment).
You can easily create a workgroup by connecting two or more PCs without going through a separate server computer within a LAN network.
Each computer on the network is physically connected to a router or switch. Each computer that’s a member of a workgroup can access shared resources in the network, like files or printers, or share their own resources with the group.
While a workgroup is a group of computers that are connected to a network, it’s not the same as a network. You can connect a computer to your network without making it a member of a specific workgroup. You can even have multiple workgroups in the same network.
The Work Group is Stand-Alone computers that Refers to a device that is self-contained, one that does not require any other devices to function. For example, a fax machine is a stand-alone device because it does not require a computer, printer, modem, or other device. A printer, on the other hand, is not a stand-alone device because it requires a computer to feed it data.
In a Workgroup network, every computer relies on local user accounts to handle logins and access to shared resources. There’s no central server or domain controller ,each machine independently manages its own users and security settings.
The Local User Accounts stored in local Data Base called SAM (Security Accounts Manager) database is a part of Windows that stores user account information, like usernames and password hashes. It’s like a secret storage for access details. It’s usually located in the Windows system folder. In the past, skilled hackers could potentially extract passwords from it, but modern security practices make this much harder.
The SAM database is a critical component of Windows that stores usernames and password hashes, helping with user authentication. It’s a default and local database located at C:\Windows\System32\Config\SAM on the system drive.
Key Characteristics of a Workgroup Network Setup ?
Peer-to-peer
No dedicated server; each computer can both request and provide resources.
Decentralized
Each computer maintains its own users, settings, and access permissions.
Local Network Only
All devices must be on the same LAN or subnet.
Windows-based
Common in home or small office environments using Windows OS.
What Does "No Centralized Management" Mean ?
In a workgroup, there is no central server or domain controller to oversee the network. Each computer is responsible for its own configuration, including:
User Accounts: Each computer maintains its own list of user accounts and passwords. To access shared resources on another computer, a user must have an account on that specific machine or use a guest account if enabled.
Resource Sharing: Files, folders, or printers are shared directly from each computer, with access permissions set locally by the computer’s administrator.
Security Policies: Security settings, such as who can access shared resources, are configured on each individual computer, not enforced network-wide by a central authority.
Conclusion
The main idea behind a workgroup’s lack of centralized management is its peer-to-peer, decentralized structure, where each computer independently manages its own resources, user accounts, and security. This makes workgroups simple and cost-effective for small networks but challenging to scale or secure consistently in larger setups. Compared to domains, which rely on a central server for unified management, workgroups trade advanced features for ease of use, aligning with their purpose in small-scale environments like homes or small offices.
References : https://www.windows-active-directory.com/what-is-a-workgroup-and-how-is-it-set-up.html
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