Introduction to Active Directory Link to heading

Active Directory (AD) is a critical framework for managing user identities, resources, and security within Windows-based networks. This section will provide an in-depth look at Active Directory, including its definition, history, key features, and components.

Overview of Active Directory (AD) Link to heading

What is Active Directory? Link to heading

Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows networks. It provides a centralized platform for:

• Authentication: Verifying user credentials and managing login sessions.
• Authorization: Determining user access levels and permissions for various resources.
• Directory Services: Storing information about network objects such as users, computers, and printers.

Key aspects of Active Directory include:

• Domain Controllers (DCs): Servers that store the AD database and handle authentication requests.
• Global Catalog (GC): A distributed data repository that contains a read-only copy of all objects in the AD forest, aiding in quick searches.
• Organizational Units (OUs): Logical containers used to organize and manage objects within a domain, facilitating delegation of administrative tasks.

History and Evolution of AD Link to heading

Active Directory has evolved significantly since its introduction:

• Windows 2000 Server: The initial release of AD, providing a basic directory service with domains, trees, and forests.
• Windows Server 2003: Introduced improvements like Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODCs) and enhanced security.
• Windows Server 2008: Added features such as Fine-Grained Password Policies and AD Federation Services (AD FS).
• Windows Server 2012: Included Dynamic Access Control, improved AD Recycle Bin, and more efficient replication.
• Windows Server 2016/2019: Enhanced with Privileged Access Management (PAM), advanced auditing, and hybrid cloud integration.
• Windows Server 2022: Further improved security and performance features, including Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection.

Key Features and Benefits Link to heading

Active Directory offers several critical features and benefits:

• Centralized Management: Provides a unified platform for managing users, computers, and resources.
• Scalability: Supports large networks with multiple domains and forests.
• Security: Features robust security measures including Kerberos authentication, ACLs, and Group Policy.
• Integration: Works seamlessly with Microsoft and third-party applications.
• Delegation: Allows for granular administrative control and delegation of tasks.

AD Components Link to heading

Active Directory consists of several key components that work together to provide its services:

Domain Controllers Link to heading

• Role: Domain Controllers (DCs) are servers that store the Active Directory database and manage authentication and authorization requests.
• Replication: DCs replicate directory data among themselves to ensure consistency and availability across the network.
• Functions: Handle user logins, apply Group Policies, and enforce security settings.

Global Catalog Link to heading

• Role: The Global Catalog (GC) is a distributed data repository that contains a partial, read-only copy of all objects in the AD forest.
• Purpose: Facilitates quick searches and provides information about objects across all domains within the forest.
• Functionality: Helps in locating objects in different domains without needing to query each domain individually.

Organizational Units (OUs) Link to heading

• Role: OUs are containers within a domain that help organize and manage directory objects.
• Delegation: Allow for the delegation of administrative tasks and policies to specific users or groups.
• Structure: Used to create a hierarchical structure for managing objects and applying Group Policies.

Sites and Services Link to heading

• Role: Sites and Services manage the physical topology of the network.
• Sites: Represent the physical locations where domain controllers are deployed, helping in efficient replication and network traffic management.
• Services: Handle replication between sites and manage inter-site communication to optimize performance.