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Active Directory - multiple sites - 1 DC

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8 replies

by sean ross

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We are moving from Win NT to Win Server 2003 with Active Directory. We have 8 remote physical locations or sites (about 10 users per location). The IT Manager wants 1 domain controller at corporate and no servers/domain controllers at the sites. We connect to the sites via PVC(s). My assumption is to set up 1 domain, no subdomains, and 7 sites. Is this scenario possible in Active Directory? My thought is yes. Any thoughts, instructions, or places on the net to look. I have not found any solutions nor sceanrios on Technet nor Tech Republic. I would love to see a scenario with steps on how this was accomplished.

8 replies

by cg it

In a nutshell, yes Where to go to find out how? on the net? heck, I don't know but you can find migration procedures in almost any MCSE / MCSA Exam prep book. I like the Network Professional's Libray books published by Osborne. Try their on Windows 2000 Active Directory [applies to 2003]. See chapter 7, Migrating a Windows NT Network to Active Directory pages 225-228. Also see figure 7-3 that shows the single master configuration.

by kinetechs

Just a couple of things...

1) One DC is not enough! You must have redundancy. Always use at least two for DCs and all IP services like DHCP, DNS, WINS, etc.
2) A site is a well-connected network, meaning a high-speed, reliable connection. If your locations' PVCs are high-speed (and have enough available bandwidth), they can be included in the same Active Directory Site.

Cheers!
~Sean

by sean ross

Thanks Sean.
I am ok on what a site is.
I was looking for a bit more of an AD howto and possible effects of no DC at remote locations (sites).

by sean ross

- A quick clairification, we will have two DC(s) at our corporate location for redundancy. However there will be no DC(s) at the remote sites. Each PVC is a segmented DS1 (between .64 Mbps and 1.544 Mbps)

by cg it

Your question was; setup 1 domain, no subdomains with 1 central location & 7 sites using active directory. Is this scenario possible with Active Directory. The answer is yes it is possible. For which you rejected my answer. Your next question any thoughts instructions or places on the net to look. There is always Microsoft help & support that can provide anyone with just about any information on best practices for Windows [any flavor] operating systems and networking with it. Any IT person working on networks and have questions usually goes there to look for solutions.

Good Luck....

by sean ross

I was looking for a bit more of an AD howto and possible effects of no DC at remote locations (sites).

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