Can such networks be created using only workstations?

Question

We all know that in a Windows network, we first need a Windows Server PC that serves as a server and a domain controller. This Windows PC uses a Windows Server software such as Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2008 Server.

Some Linux distribution also provides a server software. For example, Ubuntu also provides a Ubuntu Linux server software to create a sever computer. This will help set up our Linux server.

However, a Linux network is actually controlled by an OpenLDAP software. This software does not even need a whole computer to run in it. It is only installed in one of the Linux workstation.

Hence, can we create a Linux network using only Linux workstations and only installing the OpenLDAP in one of them? Can such a network be created like this without the special use of a Linux server computer as a domain controller?

Can anyone understand my question that uses rather limited computer language?

Answer 1

You do NOT need a server for any network. And if you have one it does NOT have to be a domain controller. A Windows server using active directory is actually using a version of LDAP which all the machines have client software for. All LDAP dontrolled machines need open ldap to be able to use it in client mode. We usually set up a server for convenience, making all services available in one place, rather than spread round all the machines. And if the server can handle network security that makes life easier. The moment you run the server programs on a client, you are making it a server. It is dangerous to let any user work at a server, one incorrect delete can lose the WHOLE network. Also network activity can seriously slow down workstation activity. ALL Linux systems have several server systems available. NIS is the original Unix type domain system, Novell Netware is an early server controlled system, Samba (server message block) is the Linux equivalent of Microsoft domain server, which can use its' own local security or NIS or LDAP as the user and system data source and even the MAC Appletalk, probably the most network wasteful system ever, continuous chat when nothing is happening. It is pointless insatlling any you do not need on any machine, just a waste of resources.

Answer 2

first to answer your linux question , in short YES





however this part of your post



We all know that in a Windows network, we first need a Windows Server PC that serves as a server and a domain controller. This Windows PC uses a Windows Server software such as Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2008 Server.



is 100% wrong you do not need to have a windows server to set up a windows network or for that matter even a domain controller

Answer 3

nicely, first you want a pc operating a community operating equipment. this can be your server. Secondly you would decide on your shopper computers operating a well matched OS. consumer-friendly sufficient, the section that takes some expertise is installation the networking element of it. Shared supplies, GPOs, and somewhat element referred to as Authentication and such. solid success!!

Answer 4

Depending on what you want you network to do you can create a network of windows or linux machines without a dedicated server



In its simplest form a network is just two computers connected together by some medium - assuming both computers have a 100 baseT network adapter, then the medium can be a 'crossed' cat5 cable.



If you assign both computers static ip addresses on the same network, then the network will be functional.



If you wish to share files between the computers, the you need to use some form of file sharing protocol. NFS will allow you to share files between Linux machines, CIFS will allows you to shre files between windows machines (you just need to enable simple file sharing on your windows pc)



Samba will allow windows machines to access linux files and linux machines to access windows files.