Deploy your Samba AD DCs on containers or virtual machines (VMs) using Proxmox. Ensure each VM runs on a separate physical server within its location to avoid a single hardware failure affecting both DCs. Allocate sufficient resources (these figures look small but this can take on 1000+ users and computers):

• CPU: 1 core
• Memory: 512MB per DC
• Disk: 10Gb with adequate I/O for replication and client load

Configure your Proxmox for high availability (HA): This ensures quick recovery of a Samba AD DC VM if a physical host in one location crashes, reducing downtime.

Set up at least two Samba AD DCs for redundancy.

Host DCs in two separate buildings or data centers with independent setups:

• Power: Separate UPS and generators per site.
• Network: Different ISPs or redundant WAN links.

Use a VPN or dedicated link for replication between sites and configure AD Sites and Services to reflect the physical layout.

Simulate a site failure (e.g., disconnect one building’s network) and confirm the remaining DC handles:

• DNS resolution
• User logins
• Group policy updates

Caponato's Samba notebook. Start here or else Main menu