9.1 windows Admin Center Notes

Windows Admin Center (WAC)

Centralized management tool for hybrid server environments providing remote monitoring, role-based access, and Azure integration

What replaced Server Manager in hybrid environments?

Windows Admin Center

WAC Key Benefit: Monitoring

Monitor and manage Azure and on-premises physical and virtual servers remotely

WAC Key Benefit: Access Control

Configure role-based access for fine-tuned administrator permissions to specific management functions

WAC Key Benefit: Azure Integration

Integrates with Azure services and provides wizards for deploying hyper-converged and failover clusters

Can WAC manage Hyper-Converged Infrastructure?

Yes, WAC can manage Hyper-Converged Infrastructure running Windows Server 2016 and newer

Minimum WMF version required for WAC

Version 5.1 or higher of Windows Management Framework

Do Windows Server 2016+ need WMF updates?

No, they already have the correct version of WMF

Additional setup for Hyper-V Server 2012/2016

Enable Remote Management, Add File Server role, Add Hyper-V module for PowerShell

Inbound firewall port for WAC

Port 445 (used by SMB for file copying)

Outbound firewall port for WAC

TCP port 443 (WAC communicates with endpoint devices)

Local Client Installation

WAC installed on Windows 10 client with connectivity to managed servers; best for testing and small-scale deployments

Gateway Server Installation

WAC on gateway server between client and managed servers; accessible from anywhere via Edge or Chrome; most common method

Gateway Server supported browsers

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome (Firefox NOT supported)

Managed Server Installation

WAC installed on one managed server; allows managing that server or its cluster only; best for distributed scenarios

Failover Cluster Installation

WAC installed in failover cluster for high availability; best for production environments where continuous access is critical

Can WAC be installed on a domain controller?

No, it would create a security vulnerability by opening a backdoor into the critical server

Initial setup when accessing WAC

Security certificate must be set up during first connection

Certificate types supported by WAC

Self-signed certificates or 3rd party signed certificates

What resources can WAC manage?

Physical servers, Azure-based servers, Hyper-V virtual servers, server clusters, Hyper-Converged Infrastructure

How does WAC perform management tasks?

PowerShell performs backend tasks; WAC provides interface to view and edit the PowerShell scripts

WAC Azure integration

Can be integrated with Azure portal through Azure Hybrid Services for consolidated management

Benefit of Azure portal integration

Consolidates Azure tools in one location and allows creating Azure VMs directly from WAC

Hybrid environment

Network containing both on-premises and Azure-based servers

Role-based access

Fine-tuned permissions allowing administrators to access only specific management functions

Hyper-Converged Infrastructure

Integrated system combining compute, storage, and networking manageable by WAC running Windows Server 2016+

Gateway server role

Acts as intermediary between management client and managed servers, allowing remote access from anywhere