Problem
MedSearchLab needs an administrable, monitored and secured Windows Server foundation for its infrastructure services.
Idea
Centralize identities and policies while separating directory, name-resolution, addressing and monitoring responsibilities.
Architecture
AD DS structures identities. DNS and DHCP provide discovery and addressing. GPOs distribute security settings, while PerfMon and alerts make platform health observable.
Implementation
The deliverable documents role installation, directory objects, policy application, access rights and operating procedures.
Security
Hardening uses GPOs, security templates, auditing and controlled permission assignment. Monitoring complements prevention by raising alerts.
Infrastructure
Hyper-V and VMware diagrams describe virtualization alternatives and the flows between Windows services.
Challenges
DNS, DHCP, domain services, policies and rights must remain consistent because an error in one role can affect the entire laboratory.
Results
The assessment provides an integrated environment, visual architecture evidence and operating documentation covering services and security.
Lessons
In a Windows domain, identity, networking and policy are one system. Monitoring must be designed from the start.
