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Module 9: Designing an Active Directory Infrastructure – Step-by-Step Guide
Designing an Active Directory infrastructure involves creating a scalable, secure, and manageable environment that includes domain structure, OU hierarchy, replication topology, and DNS integration to support business and IT needs.
Conducting an Organizational Analysis for Active Directory Design
Organizational analysis in Active Directory design involves evaluating business structure, IT responsibilities, and administrative needs to align directory services with operational goals.
- Assembling the Central Planning Team
- Obtain approval from upper management
- Identify and consult with all systems and operations administrators
- Gather information about current network
- Identifying the Vision and Scope of the Project
Vision
- Defines clear direction
Scope
- Encourages discussion
- Sets expectations
- Provides initial assessment of risk
- Baselines design and deployment
Vision/Scope Document
Executive Summary
Position
Problem Statement
Vision
Project Scope
Scope
Project User Profiles
Project Assumptions
Project Requirements
Project Success Factors
Project Team Structure
Roles and Responsibilities
Project Schedule
Project Risk Assessment
Document Sign off
- Performing Risk Management
Proactive Risk Management
- Prevents Risk
- Lessens Impact
Risk Document
- Calculates Probability, Severity, and Exposure
- Lists Mitigation and Contingency Plans
Risk Document
Risk Management
Problem Statement
Risk Assessment Categories
Risk Assessment for Organization
Risks
Probability
Risk Owner
Risk Mitigation
Contingency Plans & Triggers
Severity
- How to Document the Current Physical Network: A Step-by-Step Guide for IT Pros
Documenting the current physical network involves mapping hardware devices, cabling, IP allocations, and interconnections to understand the infrastructure layout for troubleshooting, scaling, and redesign purposes.
Would you like a free downloadable template or diagram sample for network documentation?
- Analyzing Current Business Practices
- Performing Risk Management in IT Projects: Process, Tools, and Best Practices
Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats that could impact IT infrastructure, operations, or projects. It ensures business continuity and minimizes data and financial losses.
- Projecting Growth and Reorganization
- Growth Potential
- Reorganization Potential
- Merger and Acquisition Potential
- Marketplace Changes
- New Technology Demands
Designing an Active Directory Structure: Best Practices for Enterprise Network Architecture
Designing an Active Directory (AD) structure involves organizing domains, organizational units (OUs), and trust relationships to support efficient administration, scalability, and security in enterprise environments.
- Designing for Delegation of Administrative Authority
- Delegate at the Highest Possible Level
- Use a Small Number of Domain Administrators
- Create a Hierarchy to Support Delegation
- Delegate OU Administration
- Designing for Group Policy
- Designing Active Directory for Inheritance
- Creating OUs for Group Policy
- Designing Group Policy Objects
- Designing a Domain Structure
- Designing a Schema Policy
- Modification Policy Should Include
- Schema Modification Committee
- Representatives from Each Domain
- Criteria for Acceptable Changes
- Agreement on Proposed Changes
- Control of Schema Admins Group
- Designing Site Topology
- Define Sites That Mirror Topology of Fast Network Connections
- You Can Have Multiple Sites at a Single Physical Location
- Use Sites to Control Replication Traffic
- Designing a Naming Strategy
- Domains
- Objects
- DNS
- Domains
- Servers
Creating a Functional Specification for Active Directory Design Projects
A functional specification outlines the technical requirements, objectives, and constraints of an Active Directory implementation. It serves as a blueprint guiding system architecture, roles, policies, and scalability planning.
- Creating a Functional Specification
Establishes Agreement and Deliverables
Provides Blueprint for Team Members
Must Be Sufficiently Complete Before Development Begins
Undergoes Revisions Before Final Version
Functional Specification
Executive Summary
Position
Problem Statement
Vision Statement
Project Scope
Scope
Audience
Contacts
Business
Representatives
Overview
Requirements
Assumptions
Risks
Design
Tools
Product
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