Setting up a domain on a local network requires establishing an environment in which connected devices can be centrally controlled. This type of configuration is common in companies and organizations, as it allows users, devices and security policies to be managed through a central server. Below you will find the specific steps to configure a domain in a local network using a server with Windows Server as domain controller (Active Directory):
1. Configure the Server
- Install the operating systemMake sure to install Windows Server on the server that would play a role of domain controller.
- Configure the static IPRefer to the server's network configuration and assign a static IP address to ensure that its IP address does not change. This is essential for other devices on the network to be able to locate the server.
2. Configuring the Domain Server (Active Directory)
- Add Active Directory role:
- In the server administration area, select «Add roles and features».
- Select «Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)» and follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- Promote the server to domain controller:
- Once AD DS has been installed, the «AD DS» window will open in the Server Manager.
- Click on «Promote this server to domain controller».
- Select «Add a new forest» and enter the domain name (example: my company. local).
- Configure the domain functionality and select the password for directory services retrieval.
3. Configure the DNS (Domain Name System)
- Configure DNS on the serverDuring AD DS configuration, the server will also be automatically configured as a DNS server, which is essential for name resolution in the domain.
- Configure the DNS address on the clientsTo enable the client computers to locate the domain controller, they set the IP of the DNS server in the network settings of each client or in the router, so that they point to the IP of the domain server.
4. Join Clients to the Domain
- On each client computer (Windows):
- Open «System Properties».
- In the «Computer Name» section, click «Change».
- Select «Domain» and enter the domain name that was created earlier.
- Enter the domain administrator user credentials when prompted.
- Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
5. Create and Manage Users in the Domain
- Opens Active Directory Users and Computers on the server.
- Create users, groups and organize the Organizational Units (OU) according to your needs.
- Group Policies (GPOs) are established in Group Policy Manager in order to apply specific settings to users or computers in the domain.
6. Configuring Access to Shared Resources
- Shared folders can be generated on the server and permissions can be set for users or groups.
- These folders can be accessed from any device in the domain using the server's domain name or its IP on the local network.
7. Final Check
- Once everything has been configured, it evaluates that the computers can access the domain, log in and that the shared resources are available.
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