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Is it possible to virtualize two servers in one machine?

Started by SerenMckay, Apr 05, 2023, 06:55 AM

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SerenMckayTopic starter

I have a computer with 6 RAM that is not particularly powerful. It was purchased earlier for a domain controller with only 30 pcs. I'm uncertain about the feasibility of my plan.

I want to install a simple virtualization system on it, with a CMS for IP cameras on the main Windows. Additionally, I will set up 2 AD DS domain controllers with mini replication. I also intend to create a virtual machine with asterisk or other software PBX. However, I have limited understanding of why it might not work.

Another concern unrelated to the main question is how to protect the network from viruses. Lastly, I need to include RemoteApp in my setup.

Feel free to add any additional thoughts you may have on the topic.
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TheSecfS

Having replication on a single host for domains is not very useful.
    The car is not suitable for such a workload. It's not even a server.
    Asterisk would require more allocated resources. If there is a shortage of processor time, it may experience performance issues.
    Avoid virtualizing everything without any advantage. What's the point of putting everything on one piece of hardware? What will be the plan if it fails? The entire organization's operations will come to a halt.

PS
Such cost-cutting measures in IT will only lead to frustration. Consider leaving if the leadership fails to understand the severity of the situation.
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MuhammadHaseeb

Operating with only 6 RAM is extremely limiting, especially when running infrastructure on Windows. One possible solution is to consider installing Linux and utilizing Docker to host LDAP, Asterisk, and your CMS, if feasible. However, this may not provide an optimal solution.

Ideally, it would be best to convince your superiors to invest in better hardware, preferably two machines for virtual machine replication. It is crucial to start with a thorough risk assessment. Calculate the financial impact of an hour or a day of downtime. Consider the consequences if all server data is lost permanently. Determine how long the cost of new hardware can compensate for potential downtime.

If you present this information to the decision-makers, backed up by solid numbers, there is a high chance they will provide you with new hardware upgrades, and possibly even software licenses.
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kulwantnagi

Virtualization is a possibility, but it may not be practical in this situation due to the host's limitations. There are also some unclear aspects to consider:
- Is it advisable to have two Active Directory instances on a single host? Replicating backups on the same server does not provide much benefit.

- It is recommended to run Asterisk on a dedicated physical machine.
- The available memory is insufficient. Nowadays, 8GB is considered the norm for a regular office computer, while hosts typically require a minimum of 16GB.

It is important to carefully evaluate these factors before proceeding with any decisions. Additionally, consider exploring alternative solutions that better match the requirements and limitations of the system.
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gdankman

While it's technically possible to run a virtualized environment on a machine of this specification, the level of performance and stability you'll achieve may limit the effectiveness of your setup.
Firstly, running a virtualization system alongside a CMS for IP cameras on a Windows host with only 6GB of RAM could lead to memory contention and reduced performance across all your virtual machines. This is particularly true when you add in two AD DS domain controllers with mini replication and a virtual machine with software PBX. Such an environment would likely require more RAM and processing power to function optimally.

Additionally, the security and reliability of the virtualized environment can be compromised due to the restricted resources of the host machine. If these virtual machines are intended for critical services such as domain controllers and PBX systems, any degradation in performance could have significant implications for your network.

In terms of protecting the network from viruses, a robust security strategy includes deploying firewall and antivirus software at the network perimeter, implementing regular security updates and patches, introducing user education about safe computing practices, and possibly using intrusion detection/prevention systems. However, with the limited hardware resources available, running additional security features or software on the same machine could further impact its performance.

Regarding RemoteApp, its successful implementation would also depend on the overall performance and resources available on the server. The delivery of RemoteApp requires the server to have sufficient memory, CPU, and storage resources to handle the expected workload.
It is advisable to reassess the hardware requirements for your planned virtualization setup and consider investing in more powerful equipment to ensure the stable and secure operation of your network services. Additionally, seeking expert advice or consultation from IT professionals specializing in network infrastructure and virtualization could provide valuable insights for your project.
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