Micro-server to host DNS and DHCP

[TheHyperTechie]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am looking to migrate our schools DNS and DHCP over the summer holidays - I did think about hosting these on their firewall, but I would like access if needed.

 

I am looking at purchasing a Micro computer/server to host these services on, maybe something like this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-Optiplex-Desktop-Computer-D10U001/dp/B08SMSFV7R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=31HTKAIGS3BV6&keywords=dell+micro+pc&qid=1688402474&sprefix=dell+micro+pc%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-3

 

Can anyone see any downsides to this? It will only be used for these two services, and nothing else.

 

TIA.

[computer_expert]

I would at least go for something server grade such as the HP microserver gen10 plus. Bonus is that it has iLO for out of band management and better quality components that are built for 24/7 operation. My original microservers (N36L circa 2011) lasted a very long time and were bulletproof.

 

Sadly not quite as cheap as the optiplex you linked but will do the trick.

[Aprice]

I'd also really want something with ILO / IDRAC or similar. We are mostly doing remote support though, so might not be as bigger problem if you have staff on site 5 days a week. Just handy if you lose connection for whatever reason.

 

Otherwise a pair of those PCs, with a DHCP failover on? Maybe a PI KVM or similar to emulate ILO functionality?

[Steve21]

What do you mean by need access to it?

 

Things like Smoothwall etc allow full config via the GUI, same as doing it via core switches which would remove the need for an additional box (and fall into standard backup/redundancies etc)

 

Steve

[TheHyperTechie]

The school uses SWGFL and as far as I'm aware there is no self service access for DHCP on the juniper router. Edited July 3, 2023 by HyperTech

[TheHyperTechie]

I'd also really want something with ILO / IDRAC or similar. We are mostly doing remote support though, so might not be as bigger problem if you have staff on site 5 days a week. Just handy if you lose connection for whatever reason.

 

Otherwise a pair of those PCs, with a DHCP failover on? Maybe a PI KVM or similar to emulate ILO functionality?

 

Thanks for your reply!

 

I am onsite 5 days a week so access isn't really an issue for me.

[Rob_D]

Our support partner has been deploying Intel NUCs for the "last on site services" as part of their could moves. It seems to be working out okay for them, and should be cheaper than running a full-sized server and AC.

I guess you'd buy 2 mini "servers" so if something goes down you can fail over/restore to the other one.

[Davit2005]

I'd say the same about a NUC, some need some coaxing to get server network cards working. I ran a NUC at home for 2+ years hosting ESXi, yep not ideal but the actual NUC handled it very well.

 

I'd also recommended 2 PCs with split DHCP or load balanced and DNS services. It jus gives you room to maneuver for maintenance or unplanned issues. A cheap UPS say 750/1500 should keep a low power PC running for quite a while and turn off the PC gracefully if power outage exceeds the UPS runtime.

Edited July 4, 2023 by Davit2005

[TheHyperTechie]

I would at least go for something server grade such as the HP microserver gen10 plus. Bonus is that it has iLO for out of band management and better quality components that are built for 24/7 operation. My original microservers (N36L circa 2011) lasted a very long time and were bulletproof.

 

Sadly not quite as cheap as the optiplex you linked but will do the trick.

 

Hi, thanks for your reply! what about something like this... https://www.serversdirect.co.uk/p/1694701/dell-emc-poweredge-t150-xeon-e-2314-2.8ghz-8gb-1tb-hdd-tower-server

 

There is a small possibility that it may need to also run a single VM (Active Directory) for a small amount of time, but its main purpose will be running DNS, DHCP.

Edited July 4, 2023 by HyperTech

[dmj]

It will need to also run a single VM (Active Directory) for a while but mainly it will be running DNS, DHCP, Print Management.

 

That escalated quickly!

[TheHyperTechie]

That escalated quickly!

 

haha! that is a worse case scenario - I should have those core services (AD, print management) moved to cloud based applications over the coming weeks. Just after something that essentially "could" run them comfortably without a £4500 + price tag. As this would be completely overkill for them!

Edited July 4, 2023 by HyperTech