Question

Setting up Active Directory/DNS on Windows Server 2008 in my home with a Linksys Router

Asked by: wally_davis

I have Windows Server 2008 on Virtual PC 2007 at my home. I need to install Exchange Server 2003 on it as well. So, I realized that I need to get Active Directory installed on it along with DNS.
I have a static IP Address setup. I'll install DNS on this box as well and set it up to use the same IP Address since its on the same box. My concern is, I want to use another computer (that will have an XP or Vista OS installed on Virtual PC 2007 on another machine) to connect to this Domain Server but need to make sure I avoid the pitfalls with respect to the DNS that is setup on my Linksys Router. Since DHCP is setup on my Linksys Router, I don't foresee any issues other than making sure I point everything correctly. Does anyone have any input or resources to ensure a smooth transition so I don't foul up something on my Home network?
I appreciate the help Experts...
Wally

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Asked On
2009-10-14 at 19:45:21ID24813606
Tags

Active Directory

Topics

Windows Server 2008

,

Active Directory

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Answers

 

by: craigothyPosted on 2009-10-14 at 19:53:23ID: 25576887

Sounds like you pretty much have it covered.  You can setup your client to pull an IP address dynamically from the linksys router but set the DNS server statically to point toward your 2008 server.  You could then setup a forwarder on the 2008 DNS server to forward out queries for DNS records that it is not authoritative for towards the DNS server that is setup on the linksys.

 

by: leewPosted on 2009-10-14 at 19:54:34ID: 25576891

Very simple - DO NOT USE DHCP OR DNS ON THE LINKSYS ROUTER. Active Directory REQUIRES a Dynamically updatable DNS server be installed on the network.  Use IT for DNS.  Set your workstation and server IP's to STATIC addresses on the LAN and don't use DHCP.  Setup the virtual server as a DNS Server and then configure your workstation(s) that you want on the domain to point ONLY to the server for DNS.  

Ok, now, you CAN use DHCP on the Linksys for OTHER devices that will NOT participate in the domain (like printers or computers that belong to other family members that you won't be using on the domain, but strictly speaking, you don't need DHCP, so either don't use it all (and set everything statically) or set all the domain systems statically and use DHCP for non-domain systems.

This wouldn't be an issue if you installed a PHYSICAL system as the domain controller, but if you intend to do this Virtually, then it's just easier to stick to static addressing.

 

by: hkunnanaPosted on 2009-10-14 at 20:42:37ID: 25577039

If you want it both ways (having the Linksys router distributing DHCP while having the domain and the dns), I would:

1- Reserve IP addresses in the Linksys DHCP scope for the server, and put that address statically on the server.
2- Configure the server IP statically,and assign the linksys router's IP as the gateway, and the DNS would be the server's IP.
3- Configure the DNS on the server to forward requests to the linksys.
4- configure your clinet's DNS to take information from the Server (their DNS would be the server).

 

by: dariusgPosted on 2009-10-15 at 07:05:57ID: 25580620

I agree with leew you need to allow the Server to give your IP addresses out. Also, one mistake a lot of people make is putting external DNS servers in their TCP\IP properties within a AD environment make sure you only put the internal DNS servers in the TCP\IP settings this goes for your DC as well.

Setup DNS Forwarders for external DNS resolution.

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/DNS_Conditional_Forwarding_in_Windows_Server_2003.html

 

by: wally_davisPosted on 2009-10-16 at 17:43:05ID: 25594332

Sorry guys, been busy with some programming stuff. I'll get back within the next couple of days on my results. Thank you for your patience.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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