Win2k Server - Domain Setup

[Emperor Jashugan]

I want to setup Win2k server in two locations: California and New Jersey. Right now there is no communication between the two locations, because we haven't installed T1 yet. T1 will be installed in about 5-6 months. How should I setup the domains for each location if I want to later use VPN so that the two domains can communicate?

Our company has reskit.com (name changed) registered, but it will be hosted by Interland.

From what I understand, if there is no communication between the two locations, I will have to setup two separate domains each in their own forest. Is this right? If that is the case will I run across any problems setting up VPN down the line?

 

[Shadow07]

Well, not really. What you can do is create 1 domain and 1 forest. With this, you can install your DC's and replicate AD traffic. BUT, you willl then have to put one of the servers on a seperate dummy subnet to mimic your other location. Create another SITE and assign the DC in the Default-Site site as the SMTP Bridge server, and the other DC in the other site as the SMTP bridge server for that site. Then replicate AD traffic. Then take that server in the dummy site and place that in the other office. What you can do in the meantime is to setup some sort of RAS server connection to your main office and that way you can replicate AD traffic via SMTP instead of RCP over TCP/IP. This might cause some problems, but this will get you up and running.

Email me or PM me if you have any questions on this.

 

[Shadow07]

What you will need is a router to create two different subnets so you can create the two different SITES. These sites will be created in Active Directory Sites and Services MMC. There, after you create the two sites you want, move the server objects to the correct SITE you want them to be in. Then, under the SITE name, then SERVERS, right-click on the server name and goto the properties of the server object. There, you will be able to add the transport protocol (SMTP) to the list of protocols that server will be the bridge server for. Also, after you have edited the server properties, expand the server object and then edit the properties of the NTDS object. Make sure that BOTH servers are a Global Catalog server.

This step will actually be in STEP 4.

Also, do you have a domain that is registered out on the Internet? If not, don't go through the trouble of registering a domain. Just use COMPANY.USA as your domain name. Or, if you do have a domain registered, create a CORP domain under your primary domain name. For example, if you were to use RESKITP.NET, your INTERNAL domain will be CORP.RESKITP.NET. If you create a PRIVATE internal DNS server and you have an external domain with a website, you will cause more headaches than you will want.

Let me know if you have anymore questions.