Within Windows 2000 based Active Directory domains, each domain controller is a peer server. Each domain controller has equal power and responsibility to support and maintain the Active Directory database. It is this database that is essential to the well-being and existence of the domain itself. This is such an important task that Microsoft elected to make it possible to deploy multi-redundant systems to support Active Directory by making each domain controller a peer.

Whenever a change occurs to any object within an Active Directory domain, that change is replicated automatically to all domain controllers within the domain. This process is called multi-master replication. Multi-master replication does not happen instantly across all servers simultaneously. Rather, it is a controlled process where each domain controller peer is updated and validated in a logically controlled procedure.

As an administrator, you have some control over how multi-master replication occurs. Most of your control is obtained through the use of sites. A site is a logical designation of domain controllers in a network that are all located within a defined physical area. In most cases, sites control traffic over high-expense low-bandwidth WAN links. When a domain exists on two or more sites, normal AD replication between the domain controllers in different sites is terminated. Instead, a single server within each site, labeled as a bridgehead server, performs all replication communications. You can configure this bridgehead server for when replication is allowed to occur and how much traffic it can generate when performing replication.

You can use sites to control replication even if you do not employ WAN links on your network. Sites effectively give administrators control over how and when AD multi-master replication occurs within their network.

James Michael Stewart is a partner and researcher for ITinfopros, a technology-focused writing and training organization.