Topology is flexible. Domain/GC/DHCP/DNS service uptime should be
24x7x365xINF. Domain needs to be extremely flexible. Ok, now back to
reality...
I'm only worried about workstation boot, logon, and exchange email use (GAL
& distribution lists). No file/print services and no desktop management.
Netware is used for file/print/desktop management (not my group). We will
be upgrading to a layer 3 switched GB network. We have mostly Ethernet
emulated over ATM now. We have two Exchange 5.5 servers in the same
'exchange site' with 1500 users each. I believe the W2k domain will closely
match the existing Exchange directory. Exch 2k is the force pushing the
upgrade to W2k AD.
We have one main campus and four 'sites' connected with a range of OC-3 to
bundled T1s (2Mbs-155Mbs). I envision some sort of controller at each site
(even the OC3 connected one) for fault tolerance and performance. Stuff
happens. Each site may get a DC/GC/DHCP/DNS box. (I am assuming a GC is
also a DC.) I was hoping a dual 1Ghz PIII with a mirrored 15krpm drive
array would be good enough at each site. Each site has < 250 users. There
could be more sites in the future and each site will change.
I'm unsure about a dedicated master domain with 2 or 3 domains under the
master or two W2k domains with one W2k domain absorbing all but one of the
NT4 domains as OU s. Considering equipment, the one domain model without a
dedicated root looks like the way to go. However, I'm not sure about the
politics. One domain may remain separate forcing us to have a forest.
Assuming the one NT4 domain stays out of my management, I have to purchase
at least two servers for DC/GC/DHCP/DNS functions. We will have a 'public'
DNS for MX records and other addresses.
What should the AD/DHCP/DNS controller servers be? Dual PIII or Quad Zeon?
Is a log array and data array needed or will a write cache (batt. backed up
mem) array controller be enough? How many servers? Again our use of Win2k
domain is limited to PC boot, logon, and Exchange 2k only. I'd like to use
Compaq 1U servers (DL360) if possible. We are a Compaq only Wintel server
shop. (IBM does the rest.)
Is a dedicated root domain really useful for future changes? If so, would
two boxes with a single PIII 800 and single 10krpm SCSI drive be ok for this
top placeholder and GC?
-----Original Message-----
From: Lori Demkovich [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 10:57 AM
To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
Subject: RE: [ActiveDir] Domain Controller with GC sizing?
Howard, it sounds like you asked for a one box solution. Did you sketch
your domain and DC topology before using the tool? Your user counts will be
spread across multiple DC/GCs - due to multiple sites. I haven't yet run
the tool for your users as shown below but if I did, I would not be
surprised at the calculation for one server servicing 4000 accounts.
Lori Demkovich
MCSE, MCP Exchange 5.5
MCP Exchange 2000
Enterprise Architect
Info Systems, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sockrider, Howard L. [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 11:18 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [ActiveDir] Domain Controller with GC sizing?
We have about 3500 PCs and use NT 4 and Exchange 5.5 today. There are about
4000 accounts with a good number of distribution lists. The DC sizer tool
from MS indicates I need a quad CPU box with two arrays. Really?!? That
could get very expensive depending on the domain model chosen and level of
fault tolerance employed.
What are the real world hardware guidelines for DCs and GC servers in a
3000-4000 user domain with several sites and Exchange 2k.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Howard Sockrider
Methodist Health Care System
Manager - Email, Database, and Access Control
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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