Configuring a Domain Controller to connect to a Router

Question

_{Friday, March 4, 2011 4:33 AM}

Hello All,

I would like to know how can I configure a Domain Controller to work with a router configured with DHCP.  I want to setup a Domain Controller with DNS, but have my router work as the DHCP Server.  Is this possible, if so can you advise on how this can be done. 

Thanks

All replies (4)

_{Friday, March 4, 2011 10:38 AM ✅Answered}

You want to configure a domain controller to work with a router. What do you mean by that?

Please proceed like that:

* Install your new domain controller

* Install the DNS service on it and integrate it to AD

You can configure your new DC as a DHCP server so that you ensure the high-availability of the DHCP service.

If that is a new domain, it is recommanded to have at least two DCs for this domain.

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Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration

_{Friday, March 4, 2011 2:29 PM ✅Answered | 1 vote}

In addition to MrX's suggestions, I would not recommend using the router as a DHCP service for an AD infrastructure. Windows Dynamic DNS and Windows DHCP APIs work hand in hand providing additional features and increased functionality and security, whereas router DHCP services do not and can't support these features.

Also, some routers force their own ISP's DNS addresses for DHCP distribution. We need to stress the fact that if any AD machines use an ISP's DNS address in their IP configuration, it will cause issues and problems with AD communications, long logon times, failure to authenticate to printers and resources, and other issues.

Also like to stress to not multihome a DC (more than one active NIC, more than one IP, or RRAS installed on it), or expect additonal problems. I'm just mentioning these facts because you would be surprised how many complaints we here regarding issues when a DC is configured this way.

Here's a proposed network layout that's pretty much a basic, but recommended design:

Ace

Ace Fekay
MVP, MCT, MCITP EA, MCTS Windows 2008 & Exchange 2007, MCSE & MCSA 2003/2000, MCSA Messaging 2003
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Microsoft MVP - Directory Services

This posting is provided AS-IS with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights.

_{Saturday, March 5, 2011 3:54 PM}

Thank you very much for the suggestion.  I will definitely take your advise about the DHCP Server.  The part that I was confused on was how would a router from the ISP connect to the DC and DNS Servers.  Thank you very much Ace Fekay and Mr X. 

_{Monday, March 7, 2011 6:12 AM}

You are welcome!

Ace

Ace Fekay
MVP, MCT, MCITP EA, MCTS Windows 2008 & Exchange 2007, MCSE & MCSA 2003/2000, MCSA Messaging 2003
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Microsoft MVP - Directory Services

This posting is provided AS-IS with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights.