Here we cover practical exercises to help us to understand how MS Windows network protocols function. A network protocol analyzer helps you to appreciate the fact that Windows networking is highly dependent on broadcast messaging. Additionally, you can look into network packets that a Windows client sends to a network server to set up a network connection. On completion, you should have a basic understanding of how network browsing functions and have seen some of the information a Windows client sends to a file and print server to create a connection over which file and print operations may take place.

Here you design a solution for three different business scenarios, each for a company called Abmas. There are two simple networking problems and one slightly more complex networking challenge. In the first two cases, Abmas has a small simple office, and they want to replace a Windows 9x peer-to-peer network. The third example business uses Windows 2000 Professional. This must be simple, so let's see how far we can get. If successful, Abmas grows quickly and soon needs to replace all servers and workstations.

TechInfo This chapter demands:

Abmas is a successful company now. They have 50 network users and want a little more varoom from the network. This is a typical small office and they want better systems to help them to grow. This is your chance to really give advanced users a bit more functionality and usefulness.

TechInfo This smb.conf file makes use of encrypted passwords, so there is an smbpasswd file. It also demonstrates use of the valid users and valid groups to restrict share access. The Windows clients access the server as Domain members. Mobile users log onto the Domain while in the office, but use a local machine account while on the road. The result is an environment that answers mobile computing user needs.

Abmas is growing rapidly now. Money is a little tight, but with 130 network users, security has become a concern. They have many new machines to install and the old equipment will be retired. This time they want the new network to scale and grow for at least two years. Start with a sufficient system and allow room for growth. You are now implementing an Internet connection and have a few reservations about user expectations.

TechInfo This smb.conf file makes use of encrypted passwords, and you can use a tdbsam password backend. Domain logons are introduced. Applications are served from the central server. Roaming profiles are mandated. Access to the server is tightened up so that only domain members can access server resources. Mobile computing needs still are catered to.

The two-year projections were met. Congratulations, you are a star. Now Abmas needs to replace the network. Into the existing user base, they need to merge a 280-user company they just acquired. It is time to build a serious network. There are now three buildings on one campus and your assignment is to keep everyone working while a new network is rolled out. Oh, isn't it nice to roll out brand new clients and servers! Money is no longer tight, you get to buy and install what you ask for. You will install routers and a firewall. This is exciting!

TechInfo This smb.conf file makes use of encrypted passwords, and a tdbsam password backend is used. You are not ready to launch into LDAP yet, so you accept the limitation of having one central Domain Controller with a Domain Member server in two buildings on your campus. A number of clever techniques are used to demonstrate some of the smart options built into Samba.

Congratulations again. Abmas is happy with your services and you have been given another raise. Your users are becoming much more capable and are complaining about little things that need to be fixed. Are you up to the task? Mary says it takes her 20 minutes to log onto the network and it is killing her productivity. Email is a bit unreliable have you been sleeping on the job? We do not discuss the technology of email but when the use of mail clients breaks because of networking problems, you had better get on top of it. It's time for a change.

TechInfo This smb.conf file makes use of encrypted passwords; a distributed ldapsam password backend is used. Roaming profiles are enabled. Desktop profile controls are introduced. Check out the techniques that can improve the user experience of network performance. As a special bonus, this chapter documents how to configure smart downloading of printer drivers for drag-and-drop printing support. And, yes, the secret of configuring CUPS is clearly documented. Go for it; this one will tease you, too.

Only eight months have passed, and Abmas has acquired another company. You now need to expand the network further. You have to deal with a network that spans several countries. There are three new networks in addition to the original three buildings at the head-office campus. The head office is in New York and you have branch offices in Washington, Los Angeles, and London. Your desktop standard is Windows XP Professional. In many ways, everything has changed and yet it must remain the same. Your team is primed for another roll-out. You know there are further challenges ahead.

TechInfo Slave LDAP servers are introduced. Samba is configured to use multiple LDAP backends. This is a brief chapter; it assumes that the technology has been mastered and gets right down to concepts and how to deploy them.

Another six months have passed. Abmas has acquired yet another company. You will find a way to migrate all users off the old network onto the existing network without loss of passwords and will effect the change-over during one weekend. May the force (and caffeine) be with you, may you keep your back to the wind and may the sun shine on your face.

TechInfo This chapter demonstrates the use of the net rpc migrate facility using an LDAP ldapsam backend, and also using a tdbsam passdb backend. Both are much-asked-for examples of NT4 Domain migration.

Misty Stanley-Jones has contributed information that summarizes her experience at migration from a NetWare server to Samba-3.

TechInfo The documentation provided demonstrates how one site miigrated from NetWare to Samba. Some alternatives tools are mentioned. These could be used to provide another pathway to a successful migration.

Well done, Bob, your team has achieved much. Now help Abmas integrate the entire network. You want central control and central support and you need to cut costs. How can you reduce administrative overheads and yet get better control of the network?

This chapter has been contributed by Mark Taylor <mark.taylor@siriusit.co.uk> and is based on a live site. For further information regarding this example case, please contact Mark directly.

TechInfo It is time to consider how to add Samba servers and UNIX and Linux network clients. Users who convert to Linux want to be able to log on using Windows network accounts. You explore nss_ldap, pam_ldap, winbind, and a few neat techniques for taking control. Are you ready for this?

Abmas has acquired another company that has just migrated to running Windows Server 2003 and Active Directory. One of your staff makes offhand comments that land you in hot water. A network security auditor is hired by the head of the new business and files a damning report, and you must address the defects reported. You have hired new network engineers who want to replace Microsoft Active Directory with a pure Kerberos solution. How will you handle this?

TechInfo This chapter is your answer. Learn about share access controls, proper use of UNIX/Linux file system access controls, and Windows 200x Access Control Lists. Follow these steps to beat the critics.

The battle is almost over, Samba-3 has won the day. Your team are delighted and now you find yourself at yet another cross-roads. Abmas have acquired a snack food business, you made promises you must keep. IT costs must be reduced, you have new resistance, but you will win again. This time you choose to install the Squid proxy server to validate the fact that Samba is far more than just a file and print server. SPNEGO authentication support means that your Microsoft Windows clients gain transparent proxy access.

TechInfo Samba provides the ntlm_auth module that makes it possible for MS Windows Internet Explorer to connect via the Squid Web and FTP proxy server. You will configure Samba-3 as well as Squid to deliver authenticated access control using the Active Directory Domain user security credentials.

Bob, are you sure the new Samba server is up to the load? Your network is serving many users who risk becoming unproductive. What can you do to keep ahead of demand? Can you keep the cost under control also? What can go wrong?

TechInfo Hot tips that put chili into your network. Avoid name resolution problems, identify potential causes of network collisions, avoid Samba configuration options that will weigh the server down. MS distributed file services to make your network fly and much more. This chapter contains a good deal of “Did I tell you about this...?” type of hints to help keep your name on the top performers list.