What is Active Directory?

Last Update: December 3, 2024 Post Views: 1283

Microsoft's Active Directory service is designed to manage Windows domain networks. Windows Active Directory stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use.

Imagine a medium-sized company with 100 employees working across multiple departments, such as Finance, Sales, IT, and HR. 

The company operates in a workgroup environment, meaning each computer functions independently and has no centralized management system. 

Let’s explore their challenges and how Active Directory (AD) can address them.

Issues with WorkGroup


Issue1 - Decentralized User Management

In a workgroup environment, Each employee has a separate username and password stored locally on their individual computer.

If an employee needs to log in to another computer, the IT team must manually create their username and password locally on that specific computer.

This process is time-consuming, inefficient, and prone to errors, especially as the company grows.

Issue2 - Security Risks

An auditor visits the company and plugs their USB drive into one of the computers. The computer allows the USB device to connect without restriction

The auditor highlights this as a major security risk, noting that Employees can connect USB drives to copy sensitive company data.

Also Malicious software (malware) can be introduced to the network through USB drive.

To block USB drive access, the IT team must log in to each computer individually, which is time consuming and labor-intensive.


Active Directory (AD) Solves this Problem

Before understanding how Active Directory Solve this Problem first we need to understand Active Directory


What is an Active Directory(AD)?


  • Microsoft Windows Active Directory (AD) was introduced in 1999.
  • Active Directory is a service that provides centralized database and centralized management.
  • The centralized database is known as the Active Directory database.
  • Centralized management is achieved through Group Policy.
  • The server on which the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is installed is known as the "Domain Controller."
  • Domain Controllers manage Windows domains.
  • A domain is not there by default. While installing Active Directory Domain Services on a server, we must create a domain like "attari.com."
  • A domain is a collection of objects.
  • Users, groups, computers, and Organizational Units (OUs) are known as objects.
  • Active Directory authenticates and authorizes all computers and users in a domain.

How Active Directory(AD) Solve the Issue arising in Workgroup


Solution 1 - Centralized User Authentication With Active Directory:

Employees can use a single username and password to log in to any computer within the domain.

User accounts are created in a central database known as the Active Directory Database, eliminating the need to create local accounts on individual computers.

This simplifies access, improves efficiency, and ensures a seamless user experience.


Solution 2 - Enhanced Security with Group Policies

Active Directory enables IT administrators to implement Group Policies.

For example, if the auditor highlights USB drive risks, the IT team can deploy a group policy to restrict USB drive access across all computers in the domain.


The Hierarchical Structure of Active Directory 

The hierarchy of an active directory includes the following:

Forest:

  • At the top of the Active Directory structure lies the forest.
  • A forest is the highest-level container in the Active Directory.
  • A forest can contain multiple domains and provides the boundary for security and trust.

Domain:

  • A domain is the next level in the hierarchy.
  • A domain is a collection of objects.
  • Users, groups, computers, and Organizational Units (OUs) are known as objects.
  • Domains are inside the Forest; the First domain is known as the Root Domain.
  • Multiple Domains, like child domains or tree domains, can be created inside the Forest.


Child Domain - A child domain is a domain created under the forest that inherits its name from a parent domain in an Active Directory.

Tree Domain - In Active Directory, a tree is a collection of one or more domains that share a common namespace.

Domain Controller:

  • The server on which the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is installed is known as the "Domain Controller."
  • A domain controller is a server that manages a domain, verifies user logins, and controls access to resources in that domain.

Organizational Units (OU):

  • Inside a domain are Organizational Units (OU), which are like folders that help organize users, computers, and groups. OUs make it easier for administrators to manage things
  • OU is used to organize Active Directory.
  • Organizational Units (OUs) can be created per an organization's functional or physical department.
  • For example, you might have an OU for the sales, HR, and IT departments.







Why is Active Directory so Important?​

Active Directory (AD) is essential because it is a foundational technology in IT infrastructure, especially in large organizations. 

Here's a simple breakdown of why it's important:

1. Centralized Database

AD allows single sign-on (SSO), so users need just one username and password to access multiple resources.

There is no need to remember separate passwords for different systems.

2. Centralized Management

AD helps manage all users, computers, and resources like printers from a single place.

You can control who can access what, making administration easier and more efficient.

3. Improved Security

It enforces security policies, like password complexity and account lockout rules.

Ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data and systems.

4. Automation

Tasks like creating user accounts, assigning permissions, and managing devices can be automated.

Saves time and reduces the chance of human error.

5. Scalability

It works well for small networks and scales up for large enterprises with thousands of devices and users.

6. Industry Standard

Many companies use AD, so learning it makes you more employable in IT roles.

It’s the backbone of Windows-based networks in many organizations.

7. Integrates with Cloud and Other Services

Modern versions integrate with cloud services like Azure Active Directory for hybrid environments.

It helps bridge the gap between on-premises and cloud systems.


Why learn Windows Active Directory?​


Many companies across the globe use Microsoft technology. 

It is common for hiring managers and recruiters to look for system administrators/system engineers who are familiar with Microsoft servers.

With  Attari Classes' live instructor-led sessions, you can master various aspects of Microsoft Servers and implement, manage, create, deploy, and troubleshoot them. 

You will learn about Active Directory, DNS, NTFS Permission, Group Policy, Site Subnets, Replication, Child Domains, Tree Domain, Forests, Trusts, DHCP, DFS, FTP, IIS, Failover Cluster, and much more.

Enroll in this  MCSE course today and take your career to the next level.

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