Microsoft Active Directory Domain Controller Replication is the process of copying changes made to the Active Directory database from one domain controller (DC) to another DC in the same domain. Replication ensures that all DCs have an up-to-date copy of the Active Directory database, which contains information about all the objects within the domain, including user accounts, computer accounts, and group policies. In this section, we will explore the working infrastructure of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Controller Replication in great detail.
- Replication Topology:
Replication Topology is the design of the replication structure within a domain. The topology includes the DCs and the connections between them. The replication topology is determined by the physical network and the logical organization of the domain.
Example: Contoso Inc. has multiple offices located in different cities. Each office has its own DC. The replication topology is designed to ensure that changes made to the Active Directory database are replicated in a timely and efficient manner based on the physical location of the DCs.
- Replication Partners:
Replication Partners are DCs that are configured to replicate changes to each other. Each DC has a list of replication partners that it communicates with to replicate changes.
Example: DC1 is configured to replicate changes to DC2 and DC3. DC2 is configured to replicate changes to DC1 and DC3. DC3 is configured to replicate changes to DC1 and DC2. This ensures that changes made to the Active Directory database are replicated to all DCs in the domain.
- Replication Schedule:
Replication Schedule is the frequency at which replication occurs between DCs. The schedule is configured based on the network bandwidth, the number of DCs, and the number of objects in the Active Directory database.
Example: Contoso Inc. has a large Active Directory database with multiple DCs located in different cities. The replication schedule is configured to occur every 15 minutes to ensure that changes are replicated in a timely manner without overwhelming the network bandwidth.
- Replication Types:
Replication Types are the methods used to replicate changes between DCs. There are two types of replication: Intra-Site Replication and Inter-Site Replication.
a. Intra-Site Replication:
Intra-Site Replication occurs between DCs within the same site. Intra-Site Replication is designed to be fast and efficient.
Example: DC1 and DC2 are located in the same site. When a change is made to the Active Directory database on DC1, the change is immediately replicated to DC2.
b. Inter-Site Replication:
Inter-Site Replication occurs between DCs located in different sites. Inter-Site Replication is designed to be slower and more efficient.
Example: DC1 is located in New York, and DC2 is located in Los Angeles. When a change is made to the Active Directory database on DC1, the change is replicated to a bridgehead server, which then replicates the change to DC2. This ensures that changes are replicated efficiently without overwhelming the network bandwidth.
In conclusion, Microsoft Active Directory Domain Controller Replication is the process of copying changes made to the Active Directory database from one DC to another DC in the same domain. The replication topology, replication partners, replication schedule, and replication types are some of the key components of Active Directory Domain Controller Replication. Understanding these components is crucial for designing an efficient and effective replication strategy.
