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Module 14: Implementing an Active Directory Infrastructure in Windows Server
The Active Directory (AD) infrastructure is the backbone of enterprise identity and access management. It defines how domains, forests, and trust relationships are structured and deployed to manage users, computers, and resources.
Core Components of AD Infrastructure
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Domain | Logical unit for managing users, groups, and resources |
| Domain Controller (DC) | Server that authenticates and manages access to the domain |
| Forest | Top-level structure containing one or more domains |
| Tree | Hierarchical structure of domains within a forest |
| Global Catalog | Indexes objects across the forest for faster search and logon |
| Trusts | Relationships that allow resource access between domains/forests |
Steps to Implement Active Directory Infrastructure
1. Assess Organizational Requirements
Determine domain structure: single domain, tree, or forest
Identify branch offices or remote locations
Plan OU (Organizational Unit) hierarchy
2. Install AD Domain Services Role
PS c:/Install-WindowsFeature -Name AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools
3. Promote Server to Domain Controller
Use Server Manager or
dcpromo(PowerShell alternative):
PS c:/Install-ADDSForest -DomainName “example.com”
4. Configure DNS and Global Catalog
Ensure DNS is installed and integrated with AD
Enable Global Catalog on at least one DC in each site
5. Create and Configure OUs and Group Policies
Design OUs for delegation and group policy management
Use Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security and configuration
6. Establish Trusts (If Needed)
Set up external, shortcut, or forest trusts
Use
Active Directory Domains and Truststool
7. Test Replication and Authentication
Use tools like:
repadmin /replsummarydcdiagEvent Viewer → Directory Services log
Business Scenario
Business Scenario: Implementing Active Directory in a Mid-Sized Enterprise
Company Name: AlphaTech Solutions
Industry: IT Services & Support
Employees: 500+ across 3 office locations
Challenge: Disorganized user management, inconsistent security policies, and difficulty in managing remote users and shared resources
Solution: Active Directory Deployment
The IT team proposed deploying Microsoft Active Directory to centralize and secure identity management across all branches.
Key Implementation Steps:
Set up a Windows Server 2022 domain controller
Deploy Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
Configure Organizational Units (OUs) by department
Apply Group Policies to enforce password complexity, software restrictions, and login hours
Enable Roaming Profiles and Folder Redirection for user mobility
Create a secure VPN gateway for remote AD-based authentication
Requirements for Building an Active Directory Infrastructure in Windows Server
What Are the Requirements for Active Directory Infrastructure?
Before deploying Active Directory (AD), you must meet key system, hardware, and design prerequisites to ensure a successful and scalable directory service implementation.
1. System Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows Server 2016/2019/2022 |
| Server Role | AD Domain Services (AD DS) |
| Processor Architecture | 64-bit, x64-based architecture |
| Memory (RAM) | Minimum 2 GB (4+ GB recommended) |
| Disk Space | 32 GB minimum (100+ GB recommended for production) |
| File System | NTFS required (for SYSVOL and NTDS.dit storage) |
2. Network Requirements
✅ A static IP address for each domain controller
✅ DNS Server must be installed (AD requires DNS for name resolution)
✅ Properly configured TCP/IP settings
✅ A hostname compliant with naming conventions
✅ Ensure time is synchronized using NTP to avoid Kerberos issues
3. Domain and Forest Planning
Define domain and forest names (e.g.,
corp.example.com)Plan the Organizational Unit (OU) structure
Decide on a single-domain or multi-domain forest
Determine site topology for multiple physical locations
Identify whether Global Catalog is needed on all DCs
4. Security and Access Considerations
Use secure admin credentials with strong password policies
Ensure firewalls and antivirus allow AD-related ports
Plan Group Policies and admin delegation from the start
Enable AD Recycle Bin for object recovery
5. Software and Tool Requirements
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PowerShell | For automation and scripting AD deployments |
| Server Manager | GUI-based role installation |
| NTDSUTIL | Database maintenance and recovery |
| Repadmin & DCDiag | Health and replication diagnostics |
A Single Schema
Fault Tolerance in the Forest Root Domain
DNS Infrastructure in Place Before Installing Active Directory
DNS Solution Must Be Secure
Reduction in Network Traffic and Separate Security Group Policy
Set Up Printer Locations
Standardization of the Administrative Model of OUs
Delegation of Administrative Control
Creation of User and Group Types
Access to Performance Review Data
Group Policy to Manage Users’ Desktops and Deploy Applications
Class Discussion: How to Implement the Active Directory Infrastructure
- Installing and Configuring DNS
- Root Domain Is contoso.msft
- Minimize DNS Name Resolution Network Traffic Between Regions
- DNS Should Be Secure
- DNS Is Fault Tolerant
- Install DNS Server Service on All Domains
- Implement Active Directory Integrated Zones and Secure Dynamic Updates on All DNS Servers
- Install at Least Two DNS Servers in the Forest Root Domain
- Installing Active Directory
- Single Schema
- Directory Services Are Fault Tolerant
- Reduce Network Traffic and Apply Separate Security Group Policy
- Ensure Operations Masters Are Working Correctly
- Single Forest with at Least Two Child Domains
- Two Domain Controllers in the Forest Root Domain
- Separate Domains in Each Region
- Can Transfer Infrastructure Master to a Non-Global Catalog Server
- Creating Sites and Site Links
- Setting Up Printer Locations
- Creating the OU Structure and Delegating Administrative Control
- Standardized Administrative Model
- Delegate Administrative Control
- Create a Common OU Structure in Each Domain
- Delegate Administrative Control of the Three Department OUs to a Different Administrator
- Creating Users and Groups
- Create Multiple Users
- Managers Need Read Access to the Performance Review Data for the Entire Organization
- Managers Need Full Control to the Performance Review Data of Employees in Their Departments
Add Manager Accounts into a Department Global Group in Each Domain
Add Department Global Groups into a Domain Managers Global Group
Add Domain Managers Global Group into a Universal Group
Add Universal Group into Domain Local Groups for Each Domain
Assign Read Permissions for Performance Review Data to the Domain Local Group
Add Manager Accounts into a Department Global Group
Add 3 Department Global Groups into 3 Domain Local Groups
Assign Full Control Permission for Performance Review to the Domain Local Group for Each Department
Deploy Cosmo 2 Application to All Users Except Those in Human Resources OU.
Deploy Windows 2018 Support Tools to All Users in the Information Services OU Except Those in the Contractors Group.
Implement the Organization-Wide Group Policy Settings by Using Administrative Templates.
Secure the Network Resources by Implementing Organization-Wide Group Policy Settings.
Enable the Block Policy Inheritance for the GPO Linked to the Human Resources OU
Create and Link a GPO to the Information Services OU
Deny the Apply Group Policy Permission to the User Accounts of the Contractors Group in the Messaging OU
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