Regional Domain Model

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

All object data within a domain is replicated to all domain controllers in that domain. For this reason, if your forest includes a large number of users that are distributed across different geographic locations connected by a wide area network (WAN), you might need to deploy regional domains to reduce replication traffic over the WAN links. Geographically based regional domains can be organized according to network WAN connectivity.

The regional domain model enables you to maintain a stable environment over time. Base the regions used to define domains in your model on stable elements such as continental boundaries. Domains based on other factors, such as groups within the organization, can change frequently and might require you to restructure your environment.

The regional domain model consists of a forest root domain and one or more regional domains, as shown in Figure 2.14.

Figure 2.14   Regional Domain Model

Creating a regional domain model design involves identifying which domain is the forest root domain and determining the number of additional domains that are required in order to meet your replication requirements.

Note

• If your organization includes groups that require data or service isolation from other groups in the organization, create a separate forest for those groups. Domains do not provide data or service isolation.