Designing Domains for Testing

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

Design the test lab domain structure to provide a consistent setup and configuration so that testers can rely on a standardized infrastructure. For example, allocate a single domain for migration and mixed-mode testing. If you do this, the domain should always be in the mixed-mode state except for scheduled periods when it is rolled back to the prior state to test the migration process. This way, test lab users always know what to expect.

Because some tests alter the lab environment, they can inadvertently affect other tests; for example, server upgrade tests change the services running on the server, which can affect any networking protocols that you are using. Care must be taken to isolate, coordinate, and manage these types of tests. Address issues such as these in the test lab domain design.

Important

• If you destroy the child domains and intend to reuse the same names upon reinstallation, you must clean up the metadata. To avoid this problem, use the Active Directory Installation Wizard and remove Active Directory from the domain controller prior to destroying the child domains.

Some of the types of testing that might require separate domains are:

• DNS

• Native-mode

• Mixed-mode

• Functional level

• Migration process

• Business data replication

Case study: Designing test domains

A large manufacturing company created a root domain with four child domains. This domain structure allowed the project team to use a separate domain to test:

• Windows Server 2003 functionality, including printing, in a native-mode domain.

• VPN.

• Mixed-mode interoperability and migration process.

• Microsoft® Exchange Server integration with Windows Server 2003.

In addition, an isolated domain allowed the team to test DNS without affecting other testing.

Figure 2.8 illustrates the logical domain structure of the test lab.

Figure 2.8   Example of a Test Lab Logical Domain Design

After you have designed and documented your test lab, have your project subteams review the plan to ensure that all the necessary requirements have been addressed.