Branch Office Setup 1

[Diffy1]

Hi!

Would be grateful with some advice with the following query (not really sure though if the post is suited to this category mind).

Will shortly be deploying a Win 2003 server (file and print only) to a branch office. The idea is to have a Cisco site to site VPN into the main office (to where the email server is located) and incorporate into the company domain.

1. Only a very small number of users at the branch - perhaps 6-8 so would a server need to be a DC/Global Catalogue over what should be a fast link.
2. Would I use a different IP range (same subnet) to keep IP's separate and perhaps use DHCP at the office?
3. We currently have this setup with an existing branch (20 users) but there is no additional configuration for this in Active Directory sites and services (i.e. just default site first name with the listed branch DC) - does this matter greatly or should a separate site be setup for each branch.

Many thanks in advanced.

 

[pagy]

1. - You probably would not need a DC at the site for only 6-8 users
2. Use a different IP range and subnet I'd say, you could have the DHCP server at the central office dish out address for the remote office if you wished. There was a thread on here not long ago discussing DHCP over WAN links, I'll see if I can find it.
3. Strictly speaking it should be in a site really, but;

How fast are your links between the offices??

Paul
MCSE


"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[pagy]

Here is the thread about DHCP over a WAN.

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=1378635&page=9

Paul
MCSE


"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[Diffy1]

Hi pagy

Cheers for that info - much appreciated!

The main office will have a 2mb symetric leased line (no contention ratio) and the brach will have the same but with a 5:1.

 

[pagy]

No problem. The DC at the existing branch should really be in a site (and associated subnet) if you have a 2mb link. If it's in and working though and you don't have any replication problems or your WAN link is not struggling with the replication traffic you could possibly leave it be.



Paul
MCSE


"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein