I want to share a success story about me using AlmaLinux as my distro of choice for our network infrastructure server.
In an effort to modernize core network infrastructure and reduce licensing overhead, we recently completed a migration of DNS and DHCP services from Windows Server to AlmaLinux. The transition was driven by a need for enterprise-grade stability, long-term support (LTS), and the flexibility to maintain older hardware architectures. The result was a seamless production cutover and a measurable improvement in service performance.
Selection Criteria: Why AlmaLinux?
While evaluating alternatives to Windows Server, Debian was initially considered for its reputation for stability. However, we ultimately selected AlmaLinux for several strategic reasons:
-
ABI Compatibility & “RHEL++” Philosophy: Unlike traditional clones, AlmaLinux’s commitment to Application Binary Interface (ABI) compatibility allows the community to proactively patch bugs that may remain unaddressed in the upstream Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source.
-
Hardware Longevity: A critical factor in our environment is the support for legacy hardware. AlmaLinux’s decision to maintain compatibility with x86-64-v2 architectures ensures that dependable older server hardware remains viable, avoiding unnecessary e-waste and capital expenditure.
-
CentOS Stream Foundation: Leveraging a distribution based on CentOS Stream provides a perfect balance—offering enterprise-level reliability while staying ahead of the curve on security and package updates.
-
LTS Roadmap: The long-term support cycle provides the multi-year predictability required for foundational infrastructure roles like DNS and DHCP.
Implementation & Configuration
The deployment focused on two industry-standard services: BIND9 for DNS and Kea for DHCP.
BIND9: The installation and zone configuration proved straightforward. AlmaLinux provided a clean environment that allowed for granular control over DNS delegation and security policies that often feel abstracted in a Windows environment.
Kea DHCP: ISC has amazing documentation making installation and configuration easy.
Performance & Results
During the testing phase, AlmaLinux consistently outperformed the Windows Server instance, demonstrating lower latency in query responses and a smaller resource footprint.
The Production Cutover:
The final migration to production was conducted today. The transition was seamless, with no reported downtime or client-side issues. The services are currently handling production traffic with high efficiency, validating our move toward an open-source, enterprise Linux backbone for critical network operations.
Conclusion
Transitioning to AlmaLinux has provided a robust, performant, and cost-effective solution for our core services. For organizations looking to move away from the Windows ecosystem without sacrificing enterprise-level support or hardware flexibility, AlmaLinux stands out as a premier choice for infrastructure modernization.