Lab Assignment: Setting up a Basic Network with Windows Server (30% of Course Work)

Objective:

The objective of this lab is to provide hands-on experience in configuring and managing a network using
a Windows Server-based Network Operating System. In groups of 3, perform tasks such as setting up a
domain, configuring user accounts, and managing network resources.

Requirements:

Virtualization software (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware)

Windows Server installation ISO

A computer with sufficient resources to run virtual machines. (Recommended 8GB RAM)

Tasks:

1. Set up Virtual Machines:

Install a virtualization software of your choice.

Create two virtual machines: one for the Windows Server and one for a Windows client.

2. Install Windows Server:

Install Windows Server on the designated virtual machine.

During installation, configure the server with a static IP address and set a meaningful hostname.

3. Configure Active Directory:

Set up Active Directory on the Windows Server.

Create a new domain with an appropriate name for your organization.

4. Create User Accounts:

Create at least two user accounts with different roles (e.g., administrator, standard user) in the Active
Directory.

5. Join Client to the Domain:

Configure the Windows client to join the domain created in step 3.

6. Group Policy Configuration:

Implement a Group Policy Object (GPO) to enforce certain security settings or configurations on the
client machines.

7. File Sharing:

Set up a shared folder on the Windows Server.

Configure appropriate permissions for the shared folder.

Access the shared folder from the Windows client.

8. DHCP Configuration:

Configure the Windows Server as a DHCP server to automatically assign IP addresses to client machines.

9. DNS Configuration:

Configure the Windows Server as a DNS server.

Ensure that the client machine can resolve domain names using the DNS server.

10. Test and Documentation:

Test the functionality of the network, ensuring that users can log in, access shared resources, and obtain
IP addresses dynamically.

Document the configurations made, issues encountered, and solutions implemented.

Submission:

Prepare a report documenting each step, including screenshots where applicable. Submit the report
along with any additional observations or insights gained during the lab.