Do I need a dedicated server?
The common structure in a small local network is to have one machine that acts as a Server and others that connect to it as clients.
It is not necessary to have one computer dedicated exclusively to performing the tasks of the server. Any of the computers in your office (the most powerful, if possible) is able to carry out these duties while being used in the work place at the same time. Although it is possible that if your office handles large volumes of information you will need a dedicated machine to run the services of Microsoft SQL. This all depends on the hardware installed in your office and the recommendations of your service information provider.
Today it is normal to have a shared internet connection and computers connected through a local network system. Although this may appear not to pose a great risk, this set up subjects your data to continuous attacks and allows the entrance of ¨spam¨and viruses. If the design of your network is such it is advisable that you dedicate one computer to handle firewalls, set up database services, anti-virus programs, etc.
More details about networks
Below are some terms which you can familiarize yourself with to understand how your local network works.
IP:
Internet Protocol. Used both by the origin and the destination for the communication of information through the local network or Internet.
IP ADDRESS
This is a number that identifies a computer within a network that uses IP protocol. Do not confuse this number with the MAC address. The MAC address is the number assigned to the network card of the computer itself. It comes imposed by the manufacturer of the card, while the IP address can change. You will have both types of IP addresses.
• Local or private IP address
• Public IP: this can be dynamic or static
LOCAL OR PRIVATE IP ADDRESS
The local IP address is the one that corresponds to the local network of your house or office. It is used to access other computers installed in your local network.
REMOTE OR PUBLIC IP ADDRESS
Your IP address can be either fixed or dynamic, according to which contract you have with your ISP.
Dynamic and static IP addresses.
The dynamic IP address is the most common for users that are connected to the Internet from their home. Normally this address will change on reconnect.
Static IP addresses are used by internet sites that by nature need to be permanently connected (web servers, public FTP, email servers, etc). This address will not change with time, it will remain static.
The information services of the SQL SERVER are accessible from the internet through port 1433, so if you have a static IP address, you will be able to access information from your house or connect geographically separate offices.