AI in International Relations
AI in International Relations: A Server Configuration Guide
This article details the server configuration necessary to support a robust wiki dedicated to the study of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in International Relations (IR). We will cover hardware, software, and initial setup considerations for a MediaWiki 1.40 installation focused on this complex and rapidly evolving field. This guide is tailored for newcomers to our MediaWiki environment and assumes a basic understanding of server administration.
1. Introduction
The intersection of AI and IR presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. A dedicated wiki is crucial for collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and public education. This document outlines the server infrastructure required to host such a resource effectively. The scope of this wiki will include topics such as AI and Diplomacy, Autonomous Weapons Systems, AI and Cybersecurity, Predictive Analytics in Foreign Policy, and AI Ethics in IR. Maintaining a stable and scalable server environment is paramount for long-term success. The wiki will also need to handle complex data visualizations and potentially interactive simulations.
2. Hardware Requirements
The server hardware must be capable of handling anticipated traffic and the demands of a growing wiki. Below are the recommended specifications:
| Component | Specification | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Xeon Gold 6248R (24 cores/48 threads) or AMD EPYC 7543 (32 cores/64 threads) | Handles concurrent requests and background tasks (database indexing, search). |
| RAM | 64GB DDR4 ECC Registered RAM | Sufficient memory for caching, database operations, and running PHP processes. |
| Storage | 2 x 1TB NVMe SSD (RAID 1) + 4TB HDD (RAID 5) | NVMe SSDs for fast wiki operation and database. HDD for backups and less frequently accessed data. RAID provides redundancy. |
| Network | 1 Gbps Dedicated Connection | Ensures fast access for users worldwide. |
| Power Supply | 850W 80+ Platinum | Provides stable and efficient power delivery. |
3. Software Stack
The software stack forms the core of the wiki’s functionality. We will utilize a Linux-based operating system, a web server, a database management system, and PHP.
| Software | Version | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS | Stable and widely supported Linux distribution. |
| Web Server | Apache 2.4 | Serves wiki pages and handles HTTP requests. |
| Database | MariaDB 10.6 | Stores wiki content, user data, and revision history. |
| PHP | PHP 8.1 | Executes wiki code and interacts with the database. |
| PHP Extensions | GD, MySQLi, XML, cURL, JSON, mbstring | Required for MediaWiki functionality. |
4. Detailed Configuration Steps
This section outlines the essential configuration steps. Detailed instructions for each step are available through links to relevant resources.
- Operating System Installation: Install Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS following the official Ubuntu Server Installation Guide.
- Apache Configuration: Configure Apache to serve the MediaWiki directory. Ensure `mod_rewrite` is enabled. Refer to the Apache Documentation for details.
- MariaDB Installation & Configuration: Install MariaDB and create a dedicated database and user account for MediaWiki. Secure the MariaDB installation by setting a strong root password and restricting remote access. See the MariaDB Security Guide.
- PHP Installation and Extensions: Install PHP 8.1 and the required extensions using `apt-get`. Configure PHP to work with MariaDB and Apache. See the PHP Installation Guide.
- MediaWiki Installation: Download the MediaWiki 1.40 software package from the MediaWiki Download Page. Extract the files to the web server's document root.
- LocalSettings.php Configuration: Configure the `LocalSettings.php` file with the database credentials, wiki title, and other settings. This is a critical step. Consult the MediaWiki Configuration Guide for detailed instructions.
- Firewall Configuration: Configure a firewall (e.g., `ufw`) to allow access to ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) and restrict all other incoming connections. See the Ubuntu Firewall Guide.
5. Security Considerations
Security is paramount. Implement the following:
- HTTPS: Enable HTTPS using Let's Encrypt or a commercial SSL certificate. This encrypts communication between the server and users. Let's Encrypt Documentation provides detailed instructions.
- Regular Updates: Keep the operating system, web server, database, and PHP up to date with the latest security patches.
- Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, including the database administrator account.
- Access Control: Restrict access to the server to authorized personnel only.
- MediaWiki Security Extensions: Consider installing security extensions like SpamBlacklist and ConfirmEdit.
- Regular Backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to protect against data loss. Consider using a service like Bacula or simple `rsync` scripts.
6. Scalability and Future Considerations
As the wiki grows, consider these scalability options:
| Scalability Option | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Load Balancing | Distribute traffic across multiple servers. | High |
| Database Replication | Create read-only replicas of the database to handle read requests. | Medium |
| Caching | Implement caching mechanisms (e.g., Memcached, Redis) to reduce database load. | Medium |
| Content Delivery Network (CDN) | Serve static content (images, CSS, JavaScript) from geographically distributed servers. | Medium |
Future considerations include integrating with external data sources, implementing advanced search capabilities using Elasticsearch, and developing custom extensions to support specific research needs within the field of AI in International Relations. The wiki's structure should be designed to support interdisciplinary research and facilitate collaboration amongst experts.
Intel-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6700K/7700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 512 GB | CPU Benchmark: 8046 |
| Core i7-8700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2x1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 13124 |
| Core i9-9900K Server | 128 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 49969 |
| Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i9-13900 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Workstation | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 NVMe SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4000 |
AMD-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 Server | 64 GB RAM, 2x480 GB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 17849 |
| Ryzen 7 7700 Server | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2x1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 35224 |
| Ryzen 9 5950X Server | 128 GB RAM, 2x4 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 46045 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X Server | 128 GB DDR5 ECC, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 63561 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) | 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) | 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 9454P Server | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe |
Order Your Dedicated Server
Configure and order your ideal server configuration
Need Assistance?
- Telegram: @powervps Servers at a discounted price
⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️