Updated: July 13, 2020 (January 31, 2011)
Charts & IllustrationsLync Server 2010 Server Roles
Lync Server depends on a variety of server roles to provide unified communications. The most important roles are listed here. Some roles can be collocated with others (in particular, with the Front End) and all can run on virtual machines, although it may not make sense to virtualize the Front End role for performance reasons.
| Lync Server Role | Lync Server Functionality |
| Front End (Pool) | The main Lync Server role that supports Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) processing and call signaling (starting, ending, and routing calls), as well as key features such as presence, conferencing, and instant messaging (IM). |
| Back End (Pool) | Works with SQL Server to store address books and contact lists, as well as conferencing state and scheduling data. |
| Registrar | Connects and authenticates users and devices and routes SIP calls to the correct devices. |
| Mediation | Connects Lync Server to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) network and translates signaling |
Atlas Members have full access
Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.
Membership OptionsAlready have an account? Login Now