Designing the RIS Server Configuration

  • Article

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

You can design your RIS server configuration to accommodate smaller localized networks as well as full scale corporate networks. In smaller networks of 100 or less client computers, you can minimize the number of RIS servers you need to service client requests for operating system installations. However, in larger network environments, you need to carefully consider the following:

  • Where to place RIS servers on the network so as to minimize the impact of RIS traffic.

  • Where RIS clients are located in proximity to the RIS servers that service them.

  • How many clients you intend to service.

  • How you distribute different operating system images to various user groups.

  • What security methods you apply to ensure secure operating system installations.

  • How you configure your Active Directory infrastructure to support RIS.

To accommodate full-scale corporate environments, you will need multiple RIS servers across your network, preferably using a combination of referral servers that accept, process, and forward client requests, and install servers, which provide the client with boot files, CIW screens, and the actual image download.