Creating a Domain Design

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

The forest owner is responsible for creating a domain design for the forest. Creating a domain design involves examining the replication requirements and the existing capacity of your network infrastructure, and then building a domain structure that enables Active Directory to function in the most efficient way. Figure 2.13 shows the process for creating a domain design.

Figure 2.13   Creating a Domain Design

Domains are used to partition the directory so that the information in the directory can be distributed and managed efficiently throughout the enterprise. The goal for your domain design is to maximize the efficiency of the Active Directory replication topology while ensuring that replication does not use too much available network bandwidth and does not interfere with the daily operation of your network.