Overview
This is the second post in a multi-part series that illustrates how to customize the Windows installer media to automate the process of installing a Windows AD domain controller, a Windows file server, and a Windows desktop environment. This article provides architectural detail about the AD Lab.
- Introduction
- Architecture
- Prerequisites
- Create the Virtual Machines
- Customize the Windows installer ISOs
- Install the Linux Router
- Install the Windows Systems
- Conclusion
Architecture
The lab is comprised of a Linux NAT router, a Windows AD domain controller, a Windows file server, and a Windows desktop; and contains users, computers, groups, and delegations that represent a simple AD deployment. All installations use Microsoft’s evaluation editions which obviate any licensing concerns, but function for only 180 days from the date of installation. The lab can be destroyed and re-created as needed.
Diagram
Network Addressing
The lab uses 172.16.1.0/24. DHCP provides addresses from 172.16.1.101 to 172.16.1.254.
Time
All endpoints are configured for Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).
Endpoints
| Name | Operating System | Services | vCPUs | Memory | Disk | Network | Interface | IP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AD Lab 01 router.contoso.com` | AlmaLinux 9.5 | Network Address Translation (“NAT”) and Firewall | 1 | 1GB | 64GB | External | eth0 | DHCP |
| Private | eth1 | 172.16.1.1 | ||||||
| AD Lab 02 dc.contoso.com | Windows Server 2022 Evaluation Edition | ADDS, DFS, DHCP, and DNS | 1 | 2GB | 128GB | Private | Ethernet | 172.16.1.2 |
| AD Lab 03 server.contoso.com | Windows Server 2022 Evaluation Edition | File and Print sharing, File server resource manager | 1 | 2GB | 128GB | Private | Ethernet | 172.16.1.3 |
| AD Lab 04 client.contoso.com | Windows 11 Enterprise Evaluation Edition | Graphical desktop, RSAT tools | 2 | 4GB | 128GB | Private | Ethernet | 172.16.1.4 |