Sandbox Information
Introduction
Xiid’s Zero Knowledge Networking works on top of a domain and a directory.
Domains are critical infrastructure and system administrators are rightfully leery to tamper with them using software that they are unfamiliar with. Domain modifications – particularly for security – require concise and well-understood changes.
For this reason, Xiid provides domain administrators with the ability to test Xiid’s software in a sandboxed cloud environment that will not affect production domains.
Automated Xiid Domain Sandbox Tools provide customers with the ability to quickly and inexpensively deploy (and destroy) this “sandbox” domain.
What is the Sandbox Domain?
DANGER
Sandbox deployment scripts should not be used in production or for scaffolding infrastructure to be used in production.
The Sandbox Domain is a basic domain setup that can be easily deployed within a cloud provider (e.g., AWS, Azure) for testing purposes.
The Sandbox Domain includes the cloud networking layers necessary for creating and managing a domain controller. A basic Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is provided and pre-configured with security groups wrapping the provided domain controller and RDP instance(s) with additional inbound/outbound network security to lock down access to the servers as much as possible.
The architectural diagram below shows the infrastructure components deployed within your cloud computing account when you run the Xiid Domain Sandbox Tools' scripts:
What the Sandbox Setup Guide Includes
This guide will walk you through setting up a Sandbox Domain for you to use for testing Xiid’s software.
For those wanting to use AWS for the sandbox, this guide also includes simple AWS and Terraform instructions. If you are not familiar with AWS, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the AWS Console and AWS CLI.
That being said, there are no complex actions required within AWS as all infrastructure and networking will be configured and built automatically by Xiid-provided scripts.
What the Sandbox Setup Guide Does Not Include
This guide will not provide background on managing domains, domain controllers, Active Directory, or other typical system administrator tasks.
Typical use of Xiid’s software does not require in-depth knowledge of domain management. It is, however, advised that you understand how to manage (create/remove/update) users in Active Directory for additional testing.
This guide will not provide background on Terraform, any cloud providers (besides AWS), or any other infrastructure setup. The Terraform scripts and infrastructure setup outlined in this guide are purely for Xiid Sandbox testing purposes.
Do not use these scripts to build a production domain.
What You Will Need
Contact Xiid Before Continuing
We'd love to help you get started with a sandbox! Unless we've already been in touch, please talk to us before continuing to get the required Xiid software and automated deployment scripts.
The following are required for using the Xiid Domain Sandbox Tools for an AWS deployment:
- An AWS Account
- An Xiid Domain Sandbox Tools package
If you wish to use a different cloud provider (Azure, GCP, XetaOne, etc.), Xiid will help you provision the sandbox for that environment.
Infrastructure Costs
Sandbox Infrastructure Is Not Free
Xiid is not responsible for any costs incurred by following this guide and using the Sandbox Domain.
Please be aware of the costs associated with standing up infrastructure in AWS. You can refer to the AWS Pricing Guide for more information regarding costs.
Please consider that the region you deploy your infrastructure in will also affect the cost. Also, the length of time that you leave your infrastructure running may affect costs.
To reduce costs of running your infrastructure in AWS, you can use "free-tier" infrastructure, which the automated sandbox deployment scripts attempt to choose by default. You may also stop the sandbox instances and resources when you are not using them to save money.