ACTIVE DIRECTORY
(AD)
Centralized Management in Windows Networks
Presented by: Guerbi Mohamed Lakhdar
Saidi Mohamed
INTRODUCTION TO ACTIVE
DIRECTORY
• Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft technology designed
to organize, manage, and secure computer networks.
• Introduced with Windows 2000 Server, it enables
centralized administration of users, devices, and network
resources.
• It acts like a digital phonebook, storing data about
network elements and enforcing rules.
WHY USE ACTIVE DIRECTORY?
It Simplifies network management by centralizing user
authentication, device control, and permission settings.
• Benefits include:
- Centralized user and device control
- Enhanced network security
- Simplified administration
- Single sign-on access for users
- Application of group policies across systems
KEY COMPONENTS OF ACTIVE
DIRECTORY
• Active Directory includes several elements working together to
secure environments:
- Domain: A logical grouping of users, computers, and resources.
- Forest: A collection of domains sharing a schema and global
catalog.
- Tree: A hierarchy of domains within a forest.
- Organizational Units (OUs): Subdivisions of a domain for
organizing resources.
- Objects: Users, groups, computers, printers.
DOMAIN CONTROLLERS (DC)
• A Domain Controller stores the AD database and
manages security requests like login and access control.
Key Responsibilities:
- Store a copy of the AD database
- Authenticate and authorize users
- Apply and enforce security policies
DNS AND ACTIVE DIRECTORY
• DNS (Domain Name System) is crucial for Active
Directory operations.
- Translates domain names into IP addresses
- Locates Domain Controllers using Fully Qualified Domain
Names (FQDNs)
• Example: Logging in as
[email protected] uses DNS to
find the controller
ACTIVE DIRECTORY
MANAGEMENT TOOLS
• Administrators use various tools to manage AD
infrastructure:
- AD Users and Computers (ADUC): Manage users, groups,
computers
- Group Policy Management Console (GPMC): Enforce policies
- AD Administrative Center (ADAC): A modern interface for AD
tasks
- DNS Manager: Manages DNS zones and records
- Server Manager: Manages AD DS roles
ACTIVE DIRECTORY VS
WORKGROUP
• Comparison between AD and Workgroup environments:
• Feature | Active Directory | Workgroup
• ---------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------------
• Centralized Mgmt | Yes | No
• User Login | One login for all | Separate login per
device
• Scalability | High | Low
• Security | Centralized policies | Local settings
• Conclusion: AD is best for professional and large-scale
networks.
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS
OF AD
• Active Directory is widely used due to its flexibility and security.
• Examples:
• - Educational Institutions: Manage logins and restrict lab access
• - Companies: Assign access based on roles, manage departments
• - Government: Control access based on clearance levels
• AD makes IT environments more secure, efficient, and organized.
CONCLUSION
• Active Directory is essential for managing modern networks.
• Provides centralized control, improved security, and
scalability.
• Key Takeaways:
• - Centralized management tool
• - Strong authentication and security model
• - Scalable for all network sizes
• - Essential for modern IT infrastructure
