Server Computer Configuration Essentials

Optimisation

The core element of the project is the Server Computer and its configuration. Servers are the robust computers, which are projected to manage other computers on a particular network. The best way to optimise the server is upgrading its hardware and optimising the operating system for the best performance. It is important to mention that, the server computer will provide the services to the client computer in a small educational establishment, and the network was projected for the expansion to a reasonable number of users, where any server with normal capabilities would attend the training centre needs. In terms of improving the hardware, the amount of memory RAM can be increased to 16 GB, and the processor can also be upgraded to one with higher performance containing more cores. Since, the server computer was configured in VMware Workstation Player, to be able to optimise the hardware, it was necessary to increase the amount of RAM and the number of cores in the processor, taking into account the requirements of the build computer (Physical computer). In terms of optimising the Windows Server 2012 R2, it was required to deactivate all the features, which are not being utilised by the operating system, translating it in better performance benefit and faster deployment.

Revisions to the Project Plan

Some specific elements mentioned in the proposal will not be included in the build and test, such as the Deployment of Microsoft Windows 7 Professional and the installation and configuration of the Web Server Role. The installation of the Windows 7 Professional was excluded from the build, due to Windows 10 Professional that provides the same end goal, where the client computers are able securely access the services from the Server, and also Windows 10 is a more reliable operating system as compared to Windows 7. The Installation and configuration of the Web Services were excluded, because the emphasis of the project was in users at training centre access shared resources on the Network, it would make sense in changing the Web server to the Print and documents Services.

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Summary

The aims and objectives of the Project were accomplished. The Computer Network solution has been built for the Educational Training Centre. The Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard (x64) was properly deployed and configured on the Server computer virtual machine. Also, the Windows 10 Professional (x64) were successfully installed on the Client Computers via the WDS Server on the Network. The client computer virtual machine is able to access security network shared resources. On the Server computer, I have installed, configured and tested some of the most important server roles, such as the Domain Name System (DNS), Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Windows Deployment Services, Print and Documents Server, and also the AVG Internet Security Edition was installed on the Server Operating System.

DESIGN PART 1

DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

Operating Systems Selection

Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard (x64): This edition of Windows Server 2012 R2 was particularly selected due to be a complete edition of Windows Server 2012 R2, it incorporates all built-in features.

Windows 10 Professional (x64): This edition of Windows 10 Professional was considering as it was designed for small businesses. Although it is not a full edition of Microsoft Windows 10, and it incorporates some essential enterprise features, especially the ability to join a domain, which is necessary for the project.

Sandbox Environment Plan

VMware Workstation 12 Player virtualisation software was opted for the project, due to the fact of being extremely reliable. In order to illustrate the primary function of the network, we will configure two virtual machines, one representing the server computer and the other representing a client computer on the network. The Server computer virtual machine will be installed the Windows Server 2012 (x64), and the Client computer virtual machine will be utilised for deploying the Windows 10 Professional (x64). Both the Virtual machines will be configured on the build computer with the same hardware specifications. Also, in order to demonstrate a detailed network infrastructure of the training centre, I will build a small portion of the network on packet tracer to prove that, the network was properly configured, and all the devices can communicate with each other. The end goal of the project is the ability of the Server computer to provide the services for the client computers and the ability of the client computers to request network services securely from the Server computer.

Equipment Lists

Please note that, the list for Hardware and Software presented here is based on an eventual real implementation of the network in the training centre serving only as an illustration. For my build, I will utilise the list of hardware and software mentioned in the proposal.

List of Hardware Equipment

List of Software

Network Topology

The Network typology, used in this project, is the star network typology, as can be seen in Figure (x). All the workstations in the training centre are connected to different switches, presented on the network via the Unshielded twist pair (UTP) cable Category 6. If some problem arises with a particular switch on the network, it will not affect the entire network due to redundancy, and it will ensure highly available and reliable backbone, where all the switches are interconnected with each other on the network.

IP Addressing

Server computer Network settings:

DHCP Scope settings:

Floor Plan - TMA Training Centre - Oxford Facility

Security Plan

Physical Security

In the training centre, the Server and other security sensible equipment such as routers and switches are located in restricted areas with surveillance cameras, where only authorised users as System Administrators are allowed. In addition, the switches and routers must be placed in locked Rack cabinets and properly secured.

Operating System Security

The Server computer will be safeguarded with the AVG Internet Security Business Edition is complete endpoint security, which also integrates a powerful firewall. Other security mechanisms such as Audit Policy and file encryption will also be implemented on the server computer. Domain users will be required to provide a strong password in order logon to the domain.

Network Growth

The Network in the training centre was projected considering as an eventual expansion of the network in the Future. The Network is composed with only thirty-one workstations if necessary, more hosts can be integrated into the Network.

Structured Cabling System

Horizontal Cabling

The Horizontal cabling is the subsystem responsible for connecting the telecommunications closets to the work areas (wall outlets) in the training centre. For this project, the communication media utilised for horizontal cabling is the plenum CAT6 Unshielded twisted pair cable, due to being more cost-effective than the fiber optic cable and presenting better performance than CAT5e Unshielded twisted pair cable.

Backbone Cabling

The Backbone cabling is the subsystem responsible for the interconnection of network equipment, equipment rooms and communication closets in the training centre. For this project, the communication media utilised for the backbone cabling was multimode fiber optic cable due to the best performance and longer distances, the only drawback is the high price compared to other communication media.

Work Area

The Work area is the physical locations in which the horizontal cabling ends at the wall outlet. The Network equipment used by the users in the training centre (computer and network printers) are connected to the wall outlet via patch cables.

Telecommunications Room

The telecommunication closets interconnect the backbone cabling to the horizontal cabling in the training centre, considering that it is a small facility, the telecommunication closed consist of a 12U wall Mount Racks to accommodate the equipment.

Equipment Room:

The Equipment room is the location in the training centre where all the active equipment is installed.

Entrance Facility:

The entrance facility is the location in the training centre where the interconnection between the external cabling and the entrance to of the facility is made. Those are services are normally provided by internet service providers and telecommunications companies.