TABLE OF CONTENTS In the previous chapter, we saw the logical structure of the network as defined by forests and domains. Sites and the subnets, of which sites are comprised, define the physical structure of an Active Directory network. Sites are important in an enterprise-level multiple location network for creating a topology that optimizes the process of replicating Active Directory information between domain controllers (DCs). Sites are used for replication and for optimizing the authentication process by reducing authentication traffic across slow, high-cost WAN links. Site and subnet information is also used by Active Directory-enabled services to help clients find the nearest service providers.
In this chapter, we discuss the role of sites in the Active Directory infrastructure, and how replication, authentication, and distribution of services information work within and across sites. We explain the relationship of sites with domains and subnets, and how to create sites and site links.
You ll also learn about site replication and how to plan, create, and manage a replication topology. We ll walk you through the steps of configuring replication between sites, and discuss how to troubleshoot replication failures.
In today s distributed network environment, the communication must always be rapid and reliable. Geographical and other restrictions resulted in the need to create smaller networks, known as subnets. These subnets provide rapid and reliable communication between locations, which can also be attained in larger networks by using Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Sites. They ensure rapid and...
