Setting Up the Physical Network

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

The components that you use in setting up your physical network will vary depending upon the equipment that you already have in place, your organization’s specific needs, and the purpose of this network — that is, whether you are building a test LAN or an initial production LAN. The configuration documented here is that of a basic small network, which can be easily scaled to fit your computing needs. The router used here is a standard 5-port NAT router with a built-in firewall. Specific router instructions are not included, as those depend on the router that you have purchased.

To configure your router

Follow the directions in the documentation for your router to configure the router to these specifications:

  • Ensure that port 53 on the router is enabled to support DNS. (This is the default state of many routers.)

  • If the router is wireless, enable 128-bit WEP security.

  • Set a strong administrator password on the router.

  • Use the instructions that you received with your router to configure the router to receive its IP configuration from your ISP using DHCP (this is the default state for many routers).

To configure your LAN-router connection

  1. Connect the LAN cable from the computer that is to be the DC to an available port on the NAT router.

  2. Connect the LAN cable from the broadband modem to the WAN port on the NAT router.

  3. Turn on the router and the modem.

Your network should be similar to the one illustrated in Figure 9.3.

Figure 9.3   LAN Router Connection for a Simple Managed Environment

LAN Router Connection for Managed Environment