Networking Models
Domain Model
- Client/server strategy that allows central administrative management of its members
- Domain
- Collection of computers and users that are identified by a common security database
- The database is stored on one or more dedicated servers called Domain Controllers (DC)
- Each domain member can have client or server role
- Typically employed in business environments
- Windows NT Domains
- Original Microsoft Domain Model was introduced with Windows NT
- Two types of DCs exist for a Windows NT domain
- Primary DC (PDC)
- Allowed to make changes to the domain database
- Backup DC (BDC)
- Maintains a read-only copy of the database
- Supports up to a few thousand computers per domain
- Active Directory Domains
- Domain database is still stored on dedicated Domain Controller (DC) servers
- Multi-master replication
- All DCs are capable of updating the database and replicating those changes
- Use Domain Name System (DNS) technology
- Can define more than one domain as part of the same system
- Manage user and computer environment of members