What are Domain Controllers and Benefit
What are Domain Controllers and Benefit
What are Domain Controllers?
Domain controllers might seem like a foreign concept to some companies, but it’s really a simple idea. They allow you to control and set security and access parameters for any device connected to your network, all from one single location. They have a few other benefits too. Unsecure devices cause data breaches that cost businesses big time.
What are Domain Controllers?
To get a better handle on what domain controllers are, let’s take a look at that first word, “domain.” A domain relates to a network that hosts several computers and devices.
Think of the domain as a master hub that all devices are connected to and that hub can control any device that’s part of the network. This includes things like:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Printers
- Security Cameras
- Servers
- And other devices
Those connected components are all registered in a central database located on the domain controller.
When you see the term “domain controller,” you’ll also see an associated term, “Active Directory (AD),” which is a directory service by Microsoft for their Windows domain networks. A server that runs the Active Directory Domain Services is known as a domain controller.
So, what can you do with this domain controller? We’ll get into that next!
Benefits of Using a Domain Controller for Your Business IT
Data is flowing all the time through several applications to multiple staff devices. Trying to manage security on each device individually is not only time-consuming, but it can also be fraught with issues. Domain controllers take the guesswork and hassle out of managing computers and devices on your network by “plugging them in” to one master system. This allows your administrator to put in safeguards, permissions, and other access protocols remotely on each device. Here are a few of the reasons that you should consider connecting your network to a domain controller.
Give Access Only to Those that Need It
One employee’s computer goes down, so they’re borrowing an inactive one while waiting on the repair. But, how do you know what permissions that computer may have? It’s not unusual for computers to be shared from time to time but how can you make sure access rights to sensitive files are set up correctly?
The domain controller allows you to create settings whereby users can log onto any computer that’s on your domain and their security privileges will follow them and be set automatically to any computer.
Avoid “Operator Error” Data Breaches
Operator errors, like unsecured passwords, are one of the main causes of data breaches. A data controller allows you to avoid too simple passwords by creating network-wide rules that require users to create unique and complex passwords.
Centralized Management Lowers Costs
Having the ability to set login and security parameters for all devices from a central hub reduces the time and cost of having to secure and configure each device individually, which can take hours as compared to just minutes from a domain controller.
Shared Computer Resources
Because you can set access privileges that are login specific, that means anyone can use any computer. This can reduce the need to buy new computers as often and also allows workers on shifts to use the same computer resources, reducing costs.
Easily Manage Network Printers
When staff is using the same shared network printer, who’s printing what when can get confusing. Domain controllers allow you to centrally manage print jobs and direct all that print traffic. You have the ability to pause, purge, or restart print jobs.
No more needing to connect printers individually. Domain controllers allow for the automatic installation of network printers on computers as soon as they join your domain.
Shut Down Unauthorized Access
Here are some of the valuable security controls you have access to by using a domain controller:
- Lockout user accounts with too many failed login attempts.
- Disable user accounts immediately when an employee leaves your company.
- Automatically set all computers to lock screen after a set period of inactivity.
- Require login passwords for locked screens.
- Restrict USB (flash drive) access per-user permissions.
Disadvantages of Domain Controller
The domain controller has lots of advantages but has some disadvantages such as following
- The cost of infrastructure is very big therefore it is not affordable for individuals.
- If you are thinking about a network then before starting it good planning is a must for better results.
- For a single user, it is very tough to understand the complex structure of the domain controller.
