Domain Controllers

Discussion in 'Windows Server 2003 / 2008 / 2012 / 2016' started by AJ, Feb 26, 2004.

  1. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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    We are now in the process of planning to remake our domain. The network manager would like to have one computer doing one thing ie profiles, dns+DHCP, file server, Application server etc.

    My question is we shall need 2 DC's (for failover). All these machines are going to do is authenticate users and hold AD. What do you reacon the spec of such a machine should be? We have about 500pc's and something like 1500 users. We were thinking of using beefed up pc's and leaving our servers to do all of the donkey work.

    All comments received! :D :eek: :D
     
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  2. Nelix
    Honorary Member

    Nelix Gigabyte Poster

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    It depends a great deal on wheather you have any budget left/free to spend on dedicated machines to do this, I know at work we have just bought all new DELL servers, a mixture of approx 19 x 1750's and 12 x 2650's, then again we did get rather a large budget this year. the smaller machines handle DNS, DHCP etc and the bigger 2650's do all the dobkey work, Let me add that these machines include new servers for all the regional offices throughout the country aswell. We also have been using a couple of NAS boxes, again from DELL, for home directories and profiles.
     
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  3. flex22

    flex22 Gigabyte Poster

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    One small point I an contribute is that just because that's all they'll be doing now, doesn't mean that'll never change.

    I'm not saying we can see into the future, but you can follow trends, and it's worth thinking ahead a little.So fro example see whether the machines are upgradeable.This can work out cheaper than starting over again when/if you need a more powerful machine.

    I don't really know if this is a general rule in IT, but I'd say make the specs a least a little more than is 'currently' required.

    Thanks :!:
     
  4. AJ

    AJ 01000001 01100100 01101101 01101001 01101110 Administrator

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    Thanks for the help guys. Taken on board the advice. Meeting with the network manger sometime this week to iscuss these issues with him. Will keep you informed.

    Cheers
     
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    WIP: Breathing in and out, but not out and in, that's just wrong
  5. AndyL

    AndyL Nibble Poster

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    AJ

    You say "all they'll do" but your DCs are very important. I would never use a "beefed up" workstation for this purpose. You need proper support, which you typically only get with servers, and as much redundancy as poss. (RAID, multiple power supplies etc.) If you're using AD then it surely makes sense to use your DCs as DNS servers too as you can use Ad integrated.
     
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  6. Sandy

    Sandy Ex-Member

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    AJ

    I take a chess King into a meeting like that. Place it on a table and explain what they want to do with the DC, then knock it over = Game over. Usually the message gets trough
     

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