Whats the difference between ext drives attached to server vs attached to my mini?

[Jerry_Registered]

So, I configured my 2014 mini as a server and attached all my old ext SSDs with my old files from past Macs and now I can access those drives and files from my M2 mini, iPhone, iPad...but what's the difference - or benefit- of that verses just having all my old external SSDs plugged into my M2 Mini? (I have 4 right now)

Thanks!

Jerry®