New install of Windows 2003 Server?

Question

I have an existing peer-to-peer network with machines running XP. I bought a Dell with Server 2003 loaded. The install instructions say to hook all the existing machines to the new server during configuration. But it recommends the server provide DHCP services. If I disable DHCP on the existing router, how will the client machines get an IP address before the server is up and functioning? Seems like a chicken and egg scenario.

Related, I have DSL coming in to a linksys router. (Only one network port in the new server.) Do I need to keep the router between the DSL modem and my new gigabit switch, or will the server handle all the functions that the router now does (server has settings for PPPoE info)? Can the DSL modem connect directly to the switch? Do I need a cross-over cable to do this?

Answer 1

Wow... where do I begin...



DHCP works by assigning an IP Address when the computer requests it. That "lease" is provided for a set period of time, based on what the DHCP server is configured for. Typically, that time frame ranges from 8 hours to 1 week. Now, when the IP Address is handed out, it's "reserved" for that period of time. HALF-WAY through the lease, the computer will contact the DHCP server again and request it keep the address. That means that if you have a DHCP server with a 1 week lease duration, every 3.5 days the computers attempt to renew the lease. Further, if the computer cannot renew it at the half way mark, it keeps the address originally given and periodically tries to renew it. So with a week long lease term, all computers can go a MINIMUM of 3.5 days without ANY DHCP server on the network at all before they start experiencing problems - PROVIDED no one turns them off or attempts to release and renew the lease.



Now, what version of Windows Server 2003 did you buy? Standard? Small Business Server? What? There's actually a HUGE difference in how you (may) have to do things. Of course, this site doesn't allow us to easily converse so a) you may never see this question, or b) I may never know if you reply to it. I would STRONGLY encourage you that for serious questions (like how to install a server) you should visit other sites and ask this question - even newsgroups - where two way communication is actually encouraged. I frequent two sites - you might try one or both (the latter does offer a free trial but it can be a pain to find) - www.tek-tips.com and www.experts-exchange.com



Now that said, if it's SBS (Small Business Server 2003), then you MUST do things as it wants you to, including disabling the router's DHCP server. SBS is designed to be VERY easy to manage and setup - BUT that ease requires a rigid method of setup and configuration. Further, aspects of it will fail and the server may start rebooting itself if you don't set it up properly.



If it's plain old server, then you spent more than you have to (SBS is cheaper) and it's not as easy to manage though it is more flexible (nothing should cause it to sporadically start rebooting itself unless there's a problem with the hardware.



With regards to the DSL, you should keep the router. DSL modem should plug into the router, the router should connect to the Gigabit switch, and all the other computers - and the server - should connect to the gigabit switch. Otherwise, you would need to buy another network adapter for the server. Then the server COULD act as the router.

Answer 2

Just keep the dhcp server running on your router until you are ready to switch to the 2003 box. Once the new server is up, configure dhcp on the server and disable dhcp on your router. When you reboot, the xp boxes will obtain the new ip addresses from the 2003 server. You should assign an ip to your server. Do not let it obtain from dhpc. If the address changes, you could have problems accessing apps, or data.



As for your DSL. Keep it plugged into your linksys, and plug the linksys into your switch. If it's a gigabit switch, it is problably new enuff to be autosensing, meaning you do not need a crossover cable. Your linksys will be your default gateway when you configure dhcp onyour server. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

There are lots of ways to accomplish this and I don't think there is enough room here to explain. You have some answers already. I just want to add that it's usually a mess when you buy a mail order server (Dell) with Windows Server preinstalled. There are many features in Windows Server, and since the Mfg has no idea how you will be using the server, they install what they feel like which may or may not work for you. I see too many servers that are not setup correctly and this results in continual problems throughout the life of the system. I would either get someone who is professional to install it, or at least erase the server and do you own custom install. As you are installing, do one step at a time, researching what each function means.

Answer 4

Do not dissable dhcp.

Plug the server into the router, set the server to optain a DHCP address from the router.

Access the server from the other computers by using its name. You can also type "IPCONFIG /all" into the command window and make a note of the IP address that was assigned to the server. you can use that IP address to connect from the other machines. it will likely not change if you are running a small network.