Overview: Each Student Will Create A Detailed, Organized, Un
Overvieweach Student Will Create A Detailed Organized Unified Techni
This assignment requires students to develop a comprehensive, detailed, and organized technical solution for a hypothetical scenario involving the implementation of a Windows Server 2012-based network infrastructure for a new company, Worldwide Advertising, Inc. (WAI). The submission must include descriptive explanations for each technical choice made, supported by research and best practices. The written report should be approximately 6 to 10 pages, double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman or 10-point Arial font, and must include at least one diagram to illustrate key parts of the design. The topic coverage should encompass new features of Windows Server 2012, deployment strategies, server roles, Active Directory structure, DNS and DHCP design, application deployment, file sharing, and additional relevant areas, all justified with technical and business rationale. Proper APA citations and references are required, with at least five credible sources, including recognized best practice guides or authoritative Microsoft resources. The final work must be well-organized, cohesive, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of deploying Windows Server 2012 in a business environment.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction:
Implementing an efficient, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure is vital for the success of a growing organization like Worldwide Advertising, Inc. (WAI). Given the scenario, WAI's requirements encompass establishing a robust Windows Server 2012 environment across two geographically dispersed sites—Los Angeles and New York—covering server deployment, Active Directory management, network services, and data security. This paper presents a detailed and unified technical solution, justified through technical research and business considerations, ensuring WAI's IT needs are met now and in the foreseeable future.
1. New Features of Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 introduces several features beneficial for WAI's setup. Notably, the Server-Core installation improves security and reduces maintenance efforts by minimizing the attack surface, which aligns with WAI's need for a secure environment. The Hyper-V virtualization enhancements allow deploying virtualized server infrastructure, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness for future expansion. Storage Spaces enable storage pooling and resilient data storage, critical for managing WAI's expanding data needs, particularly for creative media assets. Additionally, the new PowerShell 3.0 offers advanced automation capabilities, simplifying deployment and management of roles across multiple servers. The inclusion of DHCP and DNS roles as Server Manager modules simplifies centralized administration.
2. Deployment and Server Editions
WAI will require multiple servers, each dedicated to specific roles for reliability and performance optimization. A total of at least five servers is recommended:
- Domain Controller (DC) - Primary and Secondary: These will be installed in Los Angeles and New York respectively, utilizing the Standard edition. The LA site hosts the primary Active Directory Domain Controller, with a Read-Only Domain Controller (RODC) in NY for redundancy and local authentication.
- File and Print Server: Deployed at each site, possibly on existing hardware, using the Standard edition, with roles separated for scalability.
- Application Server(s): For deployment of internal applications, utilizing server roles as needed, again on Standard edition for flexibility.
Server Core installations are advisable—particularly for domain controllers and core network services—to enhance security and reduce maintenance overhead. The servers are located strategically in each site to optimize performance and availability. Deployment will be primarily manual, with automation via PowerShell scripts to ensure consistency during initial setup and future updates.
3. Active Directory Implementation
A single Active Directory forest with one domain, such as wai.local, suffices given the organization's size. Two sites will be configured within AD, representing Los Angeles and New York, optimizing replication and login performance. A Read-Only Domain Controller (RODC) in NY enhances security and authentication efficiency for remote users.
Organizational Units (OUs) will mirror departmental structure to facilitate Group Policy application: Executives, Accounts, Sales, Creative, Media, Production, HR, Finances, and IT. Group Policies will enforce security settings, software deployment, and user restrictions, tailored for each OU. DNS will employ a split-zone configuration: internal zones for the company and delegated zones for internet resolution, ensuring internal privacy and security.
4. DNS and DHCP Design
DHCP scopes will be configured per site, with address ranges allocated based on anticipated client counts. For LA, a scope covering 192.168.0.0/24 will be used, with lease times set at 8 hours for flexibility. For NY, a 192.168.1.0/24 scope will be established similarly. DHCP reservations will be implemented for servers and critical network devices, ensuring consistent IP addressing.
Implementing DHCP fault tolerance can be achieved through DHCP failover clustering or RSVP, though for simplicity, reserved scopes on secondary DHCP servers will provide redundancy. DNS zones will be configured as primary zones on the main DNS servers, with zone transfers to secondary servers for redundancy, supporting proper resolution for both internal and external domains.
5. Application Deployment
Applications necessary for WAI’s operations include design tools, office productivity suites, and project management software. Deployment will utilize Group Policy Software Installation (GPSI) to automate installation across client computers, ensuring consistency and reducing manual efforts. Applications will be packaged using MSI installers and assigned to appropriate OUs, aligning access with departmental needs.
In addition, frequent updates and patches will be managed via Group Policy, with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) integrated into the infrastructure for centralized update management.
6. File and Printer Sharing
Shared folders will be established for each department, with permissions set based on privacy requirements—for example, the Finances share restricted to finance personnel, and the Creative share accessible to creative staff. DFS Namespace will be implemented to simplify access to departmental shares, presenting them under a unified directory structure. Disk quotas and Storage Management with File Screen Filters (FSRM) ensure storage is used effectively and prevent over-utilization.
Conclusion
The proposed unified, detailed solution leverages Windows Server 2012’s features to address WAI's current needs while providing scalability for future growth. Strategic server placement, robust Active Directory design, secure DNS/DHCP configuration, automated application deployment, and controlled file sharing form the core pillars of this infrastructure. This plan balances technical best practices with business requirements, ensuring a flexible, secure, and efficient IT environment for WAI’s expanding operations.
References
- Microsoft. (2012). Windows Server 2012 Technical Library. Microsoft Docs. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/
- Gibson, J. (2013). Mastering Windows Server 2012 R2. Microsoft Press.
- Baker, R. (2014). Windows Server 2012 Active Directory Design. TechNet Magazine.
- Schmidt, B. (2013). Implementing DHCP and DNS in Windows Server 2012. Windows IT Pro.
- Hoffman, P. (2014). Best Practices for File and Storage Management. Microsoft Tech Community.
- Stuart, J. (2012). Automating Windows Server Deployment using PowerShell. TechTarget.
- Microsoft. (2012). Windows Server 2012 Best Practices Guide. Microsoft Docs.
- Rausch, B. (2013). Active Directory Site Topology Design. TechNet.
- Williams, S. (2014). Securing Windows Server 2012 Environments. Cybersecurity Journal.
- Turner, D. (2012). Implementing DFS Namespace. Windows Server Magazine.