Can we use an AWS (or similar service) SERVER to run our office domain network?
Can we use an AWS (or similar service) SERVER to run our office domain network? We are a small office and don't want to spend the initial large cost of buying our own on site SERVER but want to have the benefit of "AD" to run our office network and want to know if we can use an AWS Server running windows server 2016 to be our DC, AD, DNS, DHCP and file server. We have a few (5) "workgroup" computers w/ windows PRO versions on them and thought that we could just have the server be on AWS (or similar) service and running our office domain network so we can then join the PCs at the office to the domain server at AWS. Is this possible and if so what would I need in order to make this happen? Any extra hardware, software, etc. needed? Is it worth it? Are there any downsides to doing it this way (if it's possible) vs an on site server (other than cost)?
Thank you in advance for your help, it's much appreciated!
Thank you in advance for your help, it's much appreciated!
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David Johnson, CD
A DC doesn't need special hardware it will run on just about any computer that you have lying around. or as a virtual machine on one of your existing computers. The Caveat being that the machine that is hosting the DC VM will have to use cached credentials while. the VM is booting, This is the cheapest solution. Not the most preferred but it will work.
For your question, the answer is Yes, you can setup a DC on AWS server but to have private connectivity you would need to have a VPN device at your end and also needs to put VPC and setup a gateway in AWS which is going to costlier solution for just 5 PCs.
I understand that you only wants to setup a DC to run AD, DNS, DHCP on that. Rest File server can be run separately.
If so then I would suggest to have a desktop and install Windows 2016 and setup it as a AD, DHCP service and setup another desktop for File Server.
The amount you are gonna pay in AWS would be lesser but you needs to have a VPN device to setup a private link with AWS to have communication your LAN with AWS server.
Recommendations are on AWS but it includes cost at AWS and your office locations both.
I understand that you only wants to setup a DC to run AD, DNS, DHCP on that. Rest File server can be run separately.
If so then I would suggest to have a desktop and install Windows 2016 and setup it as a AD, DHCP service and setup another desktop for File Server.
The amount you are gonna pay in AWS would be lesser but you needs to have a VPN device to setup a private link with AWS to have communication your LAN with AWS server.
Recommendations are on AWS but it includes cost at AWS and your office locations both.
ASKER
Thanks for the input everyone!! Much appreciated!!