Subnets could be based on either TCP/IPv4 or TCP/IPv6 protocol addresses. So, every subnet is identified by a range of associated IP addresses, and a site is the aggregate of all well-connected subnets. Within sites, subnets are entities that help in grouping neighboring computer systems based on their IP addresses. Until another site is created, all DCs are automatically assigned to this site. By default, the Default-First-Site-Name site container is created for the forest. Sites also play a role in the deployment and targeting of group policies.In AD, the information about the topology is stored as site link objects. When there is more than one DC in the associated site that is capable of handling client logon, services and directory searches, AD sites can locate the closest DC to perform these actions. It also lets one exercise better control over the replication traffic and the authentication process. AD sites help to achieve cost-efficiency and speed. AD sites can be imagined as a map that describes the best routes for carrying out replication in AD, thus making efficient use of the available network bandwidth. AD sites are physical groupings of well-connected IP subnets that are used to replicate information among domain controllers (DC) efficiently. It is a robust solution to geographically manage an AD network without changing any aspect of the logical structure of the environment. What are AD sites?ĪD sites are used for managing organizations that have branches spread across different geographical locations but fall under the same domain. We will also touch on AD site replication and the benefits of creating AD sites.
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In this article, we will dive deep into what are AD sites, subnets, and site links, and also see how each of them can be created through the Active Directory Sites and Services console. A Site is a means to represent the physical aspects of an AD network. On the other hand, the physical structure is represented by the Domain Controllers (DCs), servers, physical subnets, etc. The logical structure consists of forests, domains, etc. Part of the reason that makes AD a powerful tool is that it allows the AD network to be designed based on two distinctly different structures it possesses: a logical structure and a physical structure. Active Directory (AD) is a powerful and versatile directory service that allows for quite a bit of customization according to an organization’s needs.