Azure AD Connect is a tool that provides directory synchronization between an organization’s on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD (Azure Active Directory). This allows for a seamless integration between the organization’s local network and the cloud-based services provided by Microsoft.
Some of the key features and functions of Azure AD Connect include:
- Password Hash Synchronization: This feature synchronizes user passwords from on-premises Active Directory to Azure AD. This allows users to use the same password to authenticate to both on-premises and cloud-based services.
- Pass-through Authentication: This feature allows users to authenticate using their on-premises credentials without having to sync passwords to Azure AD. This reduces the risk of password compromise and simplifies password management.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): With SSO, users only need to authenticate once to access multiple cloud-based services. This eliminates the need for users to remember multiple usernames and passwords.
- Seamless Single Sign-On (SSSO): This feature extends SSO to devices that are joined to the on-premises Active Directory. This means that users can sign in once to their device and then seamlessly access cloud-based services without having to enter their credentials again.
Installation and configuration of Azure AD Connect involves the following steps:
- Download and install Azure AD Connect on the server that will be used for directory synchronization.
- During the installation process, choose the appropriate synchronization option (password hash sync or pass-through authentication).
- Configure the synchronization options, including which objects to synchronize, which attributes to synchronize, and how often to synchronize.
- Enable SSO and SSSO if desired, and configure the appropriate settings.
- Test the synchronization and authentication process to ensure that it is working properly.
Azure AD Connect provides a robust set of features for directory synchronization and authentication, which can simplify IT management and improve user productivity. It is recommended that organizations work with experienced IT professionals to ensure that Azure AD Connect is properly installed, configured, and managed to meet their specific needs.
