Install And Configuration Active Directory Cluster

by SinaOnline System Training

1. Preparing the Environment:

  • Ensure that both servers meet the hardware and software requirements for Windows Server and Active Directory.
  • Assign static IP addresses to each server.
  • Ensure that DNS is properly configured and that both servers can resolve each other’s names.

2. Installing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS):

  • Open Server Manager on both servers.
  • Select “Add roles and features” and proceed with the installation wizard.
  • Select “Active Directory Domain Services” as the role to install.
  • Complete the AD DS installation wizard, which will include promoting the server to a domain controller.

3. Configuring DNS:

  • Ensure that DNS is installed on both servers.
  • Configure DNS zones to replicate across all DNS servers in the domain.

4. Installing the Failover Clustering Feature:

  • Open Server Manager on both servers.
  • Select “Add roles and features” and proceed with the installation wizard.
  • Select “Failover Clustering” as the feature to install.

5. Creating the Cluster:

  • Open Failover Cluster Manager on one of the servers.
  • Click on “Create Cluster” and follow the wizard.
  • Add both servers to the cluster.
  • Configure cluster settings such as the cluster name and IP address.

6. Configuring Active Directory as a Clustered Service:

  • In Failover Cluster Manager, right-click on “Services and Applications” and select “Configure a Service or Application.”
  • Select “Active Directory Domain Services” as the service to configure.
  • Follow the wizard to configure AD DS as a clustered service.

7. Configuring Quorum:

  • Configure a quorum witness to avoid split-brain scenarios. This can be done using a disk witness, file share witness, or cloud witness, depending on your environment and requirements.

8. Testing Failover:

  • Perform a failover test to ensure that the cluster functions correctly.
  • Use the Failover Cluster Manager to initiate a failover and verify that AD services remain available during the failover process.

9. Monitoring and Maintenance:

  • Regularly monitor the cluster using Failover Cluster Manager to ensure it remains healthy.
  • Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as applying updates and patches, to keep the cluster secure and up-to-date.

Following these steps will help you set up an Active Directory cluster for high availability and fault tolerance in your environment.