creating a backup DNS/DHCP server

[Guest]

Hi!

We currently have a Windows 2000 server providing DNS and DHCP services for
our network. This is an AD network with mostly XP clients.

I want to install a second server on the network, to provide backup for the
existing DNS-DHCP server.

I have two questions:

1) How can I create the second server as a backup to the DNS/DHCP services
on the main server, and.....

2) How can I set it up so that clients will autmatically go to this backup
server if something happens to the main server?

It would be great if anyone could comment on the feasibility of doing this,
and also maybe point me to some documentation that could help with setting
this up. Thanks so much in advance for any advice!!

 

[Phillip Windell]

It would be great if anyone could comment on the feasibility of doing this,
and also maybe point me to some documentation that could help with setting
this up. Thanks so much in advance for any advice!!

Treat DNS and DHCP separately,...regaurdless if they are on the same
machine.

DNS can be done by just making sure DNS is installed on the second machine
and then make the machine an additional Domain Controller. Both DCs would
reference themselves and each other in their TCP/IP DNS Setting. All other
machines on the network would do the same. DNS, all done.

DHCP,...configure the second one identical to the first one. Configure
Exclusions on both of them so that each one gives out 50% of the available
addresses. Run them both at the same time. If one dies,..remove the
Exclusions on the remaining one so that it gives out 100% of the addresses.
When the dead one is repaired, put the exclusions back the way they were.
DHCP, all done.

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[Richard G. Harper]

I like Phillip's idea for DNS backup services, but personally I handle DHCP
a little differently.

Every so often I make a backup of the DHCP database using the Microsoft DHCP
Export/Import tool (you don't need to worry about the dynamic clients, only
the reservations and static ones) and if I have a problem with DHCP I simply
import the last DHCP database backup into a new DHCP server and activate the
range(s) as I import it.

Of course if you have a large network you might prefer Phillip's method - it
will help spread around the load between several DHCP servers between
failures.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Phillip Windell]

Every so often I make a backup of the DHCP database using the Microsoft DHCP
Export/Import tool (you don't need to worry about the dynamic clients,

only

I'm gonna have to play with that thing one of these days. I hear about it
all the time, but have never got off my rear and messed with it

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[Richard G. Harper]

Dead easy to use. When you export you can select all ranges or selected
ranges and have the option to make the ranges inactive when backing up (if
the server is going down and staying down), same options for the restore
(all or select ranges, activate ranges when restoring).

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm