Chapter 3
Server Architecture
IN THIS CHAPTER
Knowing how many servers is enough
Identifying what kinds of servers you need
Figuring out how to connect all your servers
This chapter presents the task of planning the servers that your network will require. Over time, most networks gather servers like squirrels collect nuts. You start with just a few, and within a few years you have dozens of servers. In this chapter, you take stock of what servers you need, consider whether you should combine some of your servers, and look briefly at how to connect all the servers.
In the end, you’ll find that the best way to manage your servers is to virtualize them. I look more closely at that topic in the next chapter.
Deciding How Many Servers You Need
A basic decision that you must make when planning a network is determining how many servers your network will require. At a minimum, all but the smallest networks require at least two domain controllers, plus additional servers to satisfy the needs of your users.
When setting up servers, you have the option of creating a bunch of single-purpose servers or a smaller number of multipurpose servers. For example, if you need a printer server and ...
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