AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Exam

Deploy and Manage Domain Controllers On-Premises

Understanding Domain Controllers

Domain controllers play a critical role in managing network security and providing access to network resources in an organization. They authenticate users and computers, ensuring that the right individuals have access to the appropriate resources. When deploying domain controllers on-premises, it is important to understand their functions and configurations.

Deploying Domain Controllers

Deploying a domain controller on-premises involves several steps. First, ensure that your server hardware and network infrastructure meet the necessary requirements. Install the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role on your server, and follow the setup wizard to configure your domain. During this process, configuring the domain name system (DNS) appropriately is crucial, as DNS is essential for AD DS functionality.

Managing Domain Controllers

After deployment, ongoing management tasks include monitoring server performance and ensuring system updates are applied. Regular backups are also important to safeguard your Active Directory data. Use tools like Windows Admin Center or PowerShell commands for efficient administration and to automate routine tasks. Troubleshooting any issues promptly is essential for maintaining network access and security.

Deploy and Manage Domain Controllers in Azure

Overview of Azure Domain Controllers

Deploying domain controllers in Microsoft Azure extends your existing on-premises Active Directory environment into the cloud. This approach provides flexibility and disaster recovery options, as Azure offers high availability and scalability for AD DS.

Setting Up Domain Controllers in Azure

To set up a domain controller in Azure, start by creating an Azure virtual machine (VM) that meets the requirements for running Windows Server. Once the VM is configured, install the AD DS role and promote the server to a domain controller within your Azure network. Ensure that your VNet and DNS settings support Active Directory traffic between your on-premises environment and Azure.

Managing Cloud-Based Domain Controllers

Managing domain controllers in Azure involves using resources such as the Azure portal, PowerShell scripts, and automated alerts to monitor performance and events. Regularly review your setup to adhere to security best practices, applying necessary patches and updates. This proactive management helps protect against potential threats and ensures continuous service availability.

Deploy Read-Only Domain Controllers

Introduction to Read-Only Domain Controllers

Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODCs) offer a secure solution for branch offices or environments with limited physical security. They provide a read-only copy of Active Directory, which means that they do not allow changes to be written back to the main AD database. This setup reduces risks of unauthorized alterations.

Deploying Read-Only Domain Controllers

Deploying RODCs begins with selecting an appropriate server and configuring connectivity to your main domain controller. During installation of the AD DS role, specify the Read-Only option. The RODC needs to maintain synchronization with a writable domain controller to refresh data, so configuring replication is crucial.

Benefits of Read-Only Domain Controllers

RODCs offer several benefits:

• Security: Minimized risk of data breaches due to unchangeable AD data.
• Performance: Efficient use of bandwidth with selective replication.
• Reduced Administrative Overhead: Simplified management and fewer maintenance tasks compared to writable domain controllers.

Manage and Troubleshoot Flexible Single Master Operation Roles

Understanding FSMO Roles

Flexible Single Master Operations (FSMO) roles are specialized responsibilities assigned to one or more domain controllers in an Active Directory environment. There are five FSMO roles: Schema Master, Domain Naming Master, Infrastructure Master, Relative ID (RID) Master, and PDC Emulator. Each plays a unique part in managing different aspects of AD.

Assigning FSMO Roles

FSMO roles can be transferred between domain controllers as needed for load balancing or maintenance purposes. It's essential to ensure that roles are assigned to domain controllers capable of handling them effectively, to avoid system disruptions or delays in network operations.

Troubleshooting FSMO Issues

Issues with FSMO roles can arise from hardware failures, connectivity problems, or misconfigurations. Administrators should regularly check role assignments using tools like AD Sites and Services, AD Users and Computers, or PowerShell, to confirm proper function. Understanding how to seize FSMO roles in emergencies is also critical for maintaining AD service continuity.

Conclusion

Deploying and managing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) domain controllers is foundational for securing and organizing a network within Windows Server environments, both on-premises and in Microsoft Azure. Proper deployment enhances security with options like Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODCs), while effective management routines support service reliability. Mastery of FSMO roles ensures balanced operations across the network. Building skills in these areas will help students excel in administering Windows Server hybrid core infrastructure.