workgroup-based network - technical definition

A network that uses an organizational structure of unique names for PCs, printers and other resources within subgroups. Workgroup-based networks stem from the earlier DOS/Windows world and are widely used in small business and home networks. When configuring a PC for a network and the workgroup selection is chosen, the subgroup name often defaults to WORKGROUP, which in many cases is the only subgroup ever used. Contrast with domain-based network.