Certainly, the domain controllers themselves are key components in the physical design of an Active Directory. These servers must have the proper hardware and software to be effective in a Windows Server 2003 network. In this section, we examine the following:
Software EditionsMicrosoft actually makes four Windows 2003 operating systems. These operating systems, referred to as editions, include the following:
Each edition is designed for use in a specific role in the network environment. We now examine the four Windows Server 2003 editions and their major roles. Web EditionWeb Edition servers are not made for use as domain controllers. As their name implies, they are to be used as a Web servers. They are tuned for serving and hosting Web pages while maintaining vital security. Web servers are becoming increasingly important in today's interconnected world.
Standard EditionThe Standard Edition can be a domain controller for a small organization, but Microsoft recommends that Standard Edition servers be used primarily for file and print servers and desktop application servers. They are not designed to be domain controllers for a large enterprise. Enterprise EditionEnterprise Edition is the recommended software for domain controllers for small, medium, and large networks. It can provide the high reliability and performance required for a domain controller. Enterprise Edition is available in a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version. Datacenter EditionDatacenter Edition is for huge business-critical and mission-critical applications and databases. It provides the highest levels of scalability, reliability, and manageability available. Datacenter Edition is available in a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version.
Hardware Requirements and RecommendationsThere is a huge difference between a requirement and a recommendation. A requirement is simply the minimum that will allow the system to function in any capacity. This would certainly not be a good idea in a dynamic and growing network. The recommended specification is the minimum that was found to give acceptable performance in a typical network environment. Table 6.1 lists the required and recommended minimums for hardware used for domain controllers in the three different operating systems. Web Edition is not included because it is not designed for use as a domain controller.
|