Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 Configuration Manual

4.2.5 Workgroup and domain
Working environment
You have the option of operating the computers in your PCS 7 plant in a workgroup or domain
environment.
The following tables present a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages (from a
technical perspective) as well as scenarios (examples) and their use in workgroups and
domains.
Note
This information is provided as a basis for discussion to assist you in the selection of the
appropriate environment for your computers. In addition to the technical criteria, also consider
organizational criteria (for example, plant-specific IT, Microsoft expertise, resources, workload
and maintenance, etc.).
Advantages and disadvantages
Domain (AD; Active Directory) Workgroup (WG)
General information (in
relation to Microsoft Win‐
dows)
The user information is stored centrally. Standard user settings are required at each PC
station.
Central safety database Local safety database
Suitable for very large networks (scalability) Suitable for short distances in the plant and a
limited number of PC stations.
Permissions for devices and files are managed
in the AD.
Permissions for devices and files are managed
by individual PC stations.
Administrator The administrator must have comprehensive
knowledge (substantially higher qualifications).
The administrator must be familiar with the set‐
up and management of PC stations in the work‐
group network.
User accounts, group pol‐
icies, resources, security
Central administration in the AD. Distributed administration on each PC station.
Planning Comprehensive planning is required. Less comprehensive planning is required.
Number of PC stations Additional PC stations required to manage the
AD. Windows server required to store central
security information.
Windows server only required if this is used to
set up the infrastructure, for example, as a
DHCP server
Use with SIMATIC Logon
● The users set up for the AD are used.
● High reliability through the use of redundant
domain controllers.
● The users can be managed at a central PC
station.
● No redundancy is available for the central
logon station to be set up.
Preparation and administration
4.2 Preparatory planning
Compendium Part A - Configuration Guidelines (V8.2)
20 Configuration Manual, 08/2016, A5E38166869-AA

Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 Specifications

General

Brand	Siemens
Model	SIMATIC PCS 7
Category	Control Systems
Language	English