Edge Server Overview

The Lync Edge Server in Lync Server 2013 is made up of four separate services: Access Edge Server, Web Conferencing Edge Server, A/V Edge Server, and the XMPP Gateway. Each service provides slightly different functionality, and depending on the organization’s requirements, it might not be necessary to use all services. With Lync Server 2013, all services are deployed together on every edge server. Lync Server 2013 introduces the capability to deploy the XMPP Gateway Service directly on the Edge Server as opposed to a separate server role in previous product versions.

Unlike many of the internal roles, the Edge Server does not require database or file shares because it does not store data other than the Local Configuration Store replica from the Central Management Store. Because the Edge Server is designed to be deployed in a perimeter or DMZ network, it runs a limited set of services to make it as secure as possible. Edge Servers are also typically not joined to the internal Active Directory domain, but can be if necessary. The different Edge Server roles provide unique features, as shown in Figure 6.1.

Figure 6.1. Edge Server Services.

In addition to the Lync Edge Server Services, a reverse proxy solution is required to publish web services, including Mobility. For more information on reverse proxy requirements, see Chapter 12, “Firewall and Security Requirements.”