Active Directory

[Luke]

Hello

My cadet squadron is in the process of getting a brand new building. This includes an IT suite and two offices.
Now we have 6 computers in the suite, 2 in one office and 1 in the other. So 9 computers all together.

Now I'm wanting to set up Active Directory, I'm acquiring a tower computer to act as a server. Now the server will be connected to the internet via the BT Hub (the infinity one). Can I then use a switch (such as a Netgear one) to connect the 6 computers in the suit to share internet and setup active directory? I'm trying to do this cheaply as possible..

And in regards to the computers in the offices, would it be easier to run ethernet through the ceiling or is there a wireless alternative?

Many Thanks
Luke

[Zak]

Hi Luke

I have virtually no knowledge of active directory but I see no reason why it wouldn't work taking into consideration your plan. We use active directory here but we do not use it in our dept.

I would go for the wired option in the office too.

[RyRy]

A BT Hub should work with a switch, I'm not sure if the infinity routers are configured differently but yeah should work. I'd deffo go with a wired option, it's a bit more expensive but it's worth paying for somebody to wire up an office. Also, if you do want to run Active Directory do you have the licenses for Windows Server? Probably be an SBS license wouldn't it?

Been a while since I've used AD but it's so useful to have. If you wanted to be really cheap though, just use Linux brah. Cheap as chips.

[Firehorse]

Get Windows Server Essentials 2012 rather than SBS, you don't need CALs for it and it's cheaper from the off. (I think SBS has been discontinued)

[RyRy]

Get Windows Server Essentials 2012 rather than SBS, you don't need CALs for it and it's cheaper from the off. (I think SBS has been discontinued)

This, yeah sorry Hash it's been years since I've played around with a SBS Server, dunno whats what

[Lucy]

Yeah, that would work in theory. If you had the main WAN link coming into a router then using another switch to connect your 6 computers that would definitely work without an issue as it would in a household. You would also need the server to be connected to the network, most routers also include a couple of LAN ports where you could connect your Server so its in the same room (however I am not aware of the BT Hub being in Australia).

In terms of Server Setup if you do really insist you want to go with a server setup then you would want to go with Windows Server Essentials 2012 (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-UK/sbs/jj159331), I have setup this for a couple of small businesses in Perth however do ask for help if your not entirely confident.

And finally in terms of Wireless/Wired argument that can only ever come down to trial and error as it depends on the size, thickness of walls and a variety of other things as to whether the wireless signal would be decent, but personally I always go for Ethernet where possible.

Main MS Page for Windows Server Essentials: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/windows-server-2012-r2-essentials/default.aspx

If you need any help give me a shout xx :)

[Luke]

Thanks for replies guys - I can get the software cheap through some MoD scheme so shouldn't be an issue with licensing - just wanted to make sure it were perfectly possible.

The setup in more detail would be:

INTERNET >> HUB >> SERVER (Two LAN Ports) << Switch << PCs on server.
I presume I'd have to setup internet sharing and a DNS server on the Server?

And i'm not 100% what the building looks like inside yet in terms of roof. I'm HOPING I can easily run ethernet through the roof, however if it came to worst, is domain services actually possible over Wifi? I presume a registry key with a pre logon connection to the access point would be sufficient?

Cheers:)

[Lucy]

Thanks for replies guys - I can get the software cheap through some MoD scheme so shouldn't be an issue with licensing - just wanted to make sure it were perfectly possible.

The setup in more detail would be:

INTERNET >> HUB >> SERVER (Two LAN Ports) << Switch << PCs on server.
I presume I'd have to setup internet sharing and a DNS server on the Server?

And i'm not 100% what the building looks like inside yet in terms of roof. I'm HOPING I can easily run ethernet through the roof, however if it came to worst, is domain services actually possible over Wifi? I presume a registry key with a pre logon connection to the access point would be sufficient?

Cheers:)
In terms of setting up DHCP and DNS to reduce effort required in setting this up would it not be possible to let the router handle the DHCP and DNS tasks? All in all that would make it a lot easier to setup. In terms of internet sharing does your hub not have extra LAN ports you could connect the switch too? Just thinking of ways of making setup easier, as small things like this need not be over complicated.

[Luke]

Okay so I set it up in a virtual environment and it's like this:

HUB >
SWITCH < SERVER (192.168.0.10)
< PC1 (DNS to .10)
< PC2 (DNS to .10)
etc..

And it all works, so I think it's pretty much sorted what I'll be doing..
Thanks for help guys!

[mrwoooooooo]

so this had nothing to do with AD ;D

[Luke]

Well it did first and foremost, but kinda moved more onto the hardware side of things.. :')

[Lucy]

Okay so I set it up in a virtual environment and it's like this:

HUB >
SWITCH < SERVER (192.168.0.10)
< PC1 (DNS to .10)
< PC2 (DNS to .10)
etc..

And it all works, so I think it's pretty much sorted what I'll be doing..
Thanks for help guys!
Exactly the way I would of sorted it. Glad it works for you, enjoy and if you need help let me know.