Enterprise Active Directory Lab
Designed and deployed an enterprise-style Windows Server environment from scratch using VMware. This project simulates a small business network featuring Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, File Services, Print Services, and domain-connected Windows clients.
AD DS • DNS • DHCP
192.168.10.2
192.168.10.3
Windows 10
Windows 10
Building a Small Enterprise Environment
This project involved designing and deploying a small enterprise-style infrastructure environment from the ground up using VMware virtualization. The goal was to simulate a real-world business network and gain hands-on experience with core systems administration concepts. The environment was built around a Windows Server domain using Active Directory Domain Services, with integrated DNS and DHCP services for centralized authentication and network management. Additional servers and client machines were configured to replicate common workplace infrastructure, including file sharing, print services, and domain-connected workstations. This project strengthened my understanding of network planning, server deployment, identity management, permissions, and the relationship between core enterprise services.
Virtual Infrastructure
Virtual Machines
4
Infrastructure Services
5+
Domain
win.local
Network Subnet
/24
Platform
VMware vCenter
Operating Systems
Windows Server 2022
Windows 10 Clients
Network Type
Internal Virtual Network
Domain
WIN.LOCAL
Server Roles
LW-DC-01
Domain Controller
Active Directory
DNS
DHCP
LW-SRV01
File Server
SMB Shares
Print Services
LW-DSKTP-IT
Administrative Testing Client
Windows 10
LW-DSKTP-01
Standard User Client
Domain Joined
IP Addressing Plan
192.168.10.0/24 Gateway └── 192.168.10.1 Domain Controller └── 192.168.10.2 Servers └── 192.168.10.3 - 192.168.10.5 Network Devices └── 192.168.10.6 - 192.168.10.10 DHCP Range └── 192.168.10.11 - 192.168.10.254 Broadcast └── 192.168.10.255
Active Directory Structure
WIN.LOCAL
│
├── Servers
│ ├── Domain Controller
│ └── File Server
│
├── Users
│ ├── Admin Users
│ └── Standard Users
│
├── Groups
│ ├── Admin_SG
│ ├── IT_SG
│ └── Public_SG
│
└── Workstations
├── IT
└── Desktops
Infrastructure Components
Understanding Enterprise Administration
This project reinforced the relationship between core enterprise services. Proper IP planning, DNS configuration, Active Directory design, and centralized management are critical components of a reliable infrastructure.