Overview of DNS Deployment

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

DNS is the primary method for name resolution in the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Standard Edition; Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise Edition; and Windows® Server 2003, Datacenter Edition operating systems (collectively referred to as "Windows Server 2003" in this chapter). DNS is also a requirement for deploying Active Directory, but Active Directory is not a requirement for deploying DNS. However, integrating DNS with Active Directory enables DNS servers to take advantage of the security, performance, and fault tolerance capabilities of Active Directory.

If you are planning to deploy DNS to support Active Directory, plan your DNS namespace in conjunction with planning your Active Directory logical structure. For more information about designing the Active Directory logical structure, see "Designing the Active Directory Logical Structure" in Designing and Deploying Directory and Security Services of this kit.