Microsoft Active Directory

Microsoft Active Directory functions like a computer network’s phone book and security guard. It keeps track of where everything is and controls who has access to what.  

Microsoft developed Microsoft Active Directory (AD) as a directory service for Windows domain networks. As a result, most Windows Server operating systems include it as a set of processes and services.  

Active Directory stores all the logical and hierarchical directory information in Active Directory objects. These objects contain all the details about resources on the network, such as servers, volumes, printers, and user and computer accounts.  

A server running Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is called a domain controller. Microsoft Active Directory is a critical part of many organizations’ IT infrastructures. 

Key Active Directory Details 

Here are helpful technical details to be aware of for Microsoft Active Directory:

1. Domain Services: This feature provides methods for storing directory data and making this data available to network users and administrators. AD DS also provides a method for replicating data between domain controllers within the network.
2. Hierarchy: Active Directory arranges resources in a tree-like hierarchy. Objects such as users, groups, computers, and organizational units (OUs) can be arranged according to organizational or administrative needs. The smallest unit of management in AD is the domain, and multiple domains can be organized into trees and forests.
3. Object Identity: Every object in Active Directory has a unique identity, known as a Distinguished Name (DN). This DN includes the domain name where the object is located and a unique identifier for the object itself.
4. Security: Active Directory uses the Kerberos protocol for authentication. It manages user data, security, and distributed resources and enables interoperation with other directories. Assigning policies, deploying software, and applying critical updates to an organization with Active Directory is possible.
5. Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP): AD uses this industry-standard protocol to communicate between applications and other directory services over a network. LDAP makes the directory data available to users and administrators and allows them to manage and interact with the data.
6. Schema: The Active Directory schema defines the types of objects and attributes that those objects can have within the directory. The schema can be extended or modified to accommodate custom objects and attributes.
7. Group Policy: AD provides a framework for centralized configuration and management of operating systems, applications, and user settings in an Active Directory environment, known as Group Policy. This helps in maintaining standardized security settings and other parameters across the network.

To manage or utilize an Active Directory environment, one usually needs appropriate permissions and knowledge of various AD concepts and tools, such as the Active Directory Administrative Center, Active Directory Users and Computers, and PowerShell cmdlets for Active Directory.

AD Origins

Active Directory was initially launched with Windows 2000 Server, replacing the older system, Windows NT Domain. The Windows NT Domain model was a flat system that was difficult to manage, especially for larger networks.

In contrast, Active Directory introduced a hierarchical system that was easier to navigate and manage.   

Expansion to Cloud: Azure AD

With the rise of cloud services, Microsoft expanded the concept of Active Directory to its Azure platform. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service.  

However, it’s important to note that Azure AD is not a direct replacement or cloud version of Windows Active Directory.

Instead, it’s designed to facilitate access to web-based applications using internet-friendly protocols like OAuth and WS-Federation. This shift marks a significant step in Microsoft’s commitment to embracing the cloud era.  

AD’s Continued Relevance

Microsoft Active Directory continues to be a critical part of IT infrastructures in many organizations worldwide.

With its efficient ability to manage user data, security, and distributed resources, Active Directory remains a vital tool for systems administrators.  

Overview of Active Directory – 11 mins