A standalone server is a segment of a client/server network (despite the name) that can maintain it’s own authentication and user accounting services. This means that the server can both authenticate requests and answer them, and that it also has control of the resources on it. These types of servers do not usually provide any network login services.
Technipages Explains Standalone Server
Standalone servers are convenient for small networks, but not so much for larger ones, where these can be a liability. Getting data can mean accessing more than one server for a user, which can get annoying and take longer and longer periods of time. Additionally, each of these servers represents a unique point of entry for potential breaches by hackers and other unauthorised users. Differences in security can make individual servers easy targets.
A better solution for larger networks is to move authorisation from individual servers to the network level – this means that individual machines are not specific targets and therefore safer. Information is also passed around significantly quicker – instead of having to authorise for each server, a user authorises themselves once and then can request info from any number of servers that are part of that system – a faster option than a standalone server would be.
Specifically in the context of Windows network, a standalone server is considered to be one that isn’t part of the network, and not otherwise governed by a Windows domain. This is a less common use though – for the most part, it refers to self-authorising server.
Common Uses of Standalone Server
- Standalone servers are an ideal solution for very small networks where not a lot of servers are needed at all.
- In largernetworks, standalone servers aren’t needed.
- In Windows environment, a standalone server is one that isn’t part of a Windows domain.
Common Misuses of Standalone Server
- A standalone server is one not connected to any others within a network.
