Active Directory gives network designers a wide range of flexibility. So much flexibility that there are several correct ways to design a network for the same organization. Depending on your perspective, experience and expertise, one person's network design may be completely different from another person's design for the same conditions and location. The best network designs take into account the business objectives, existing network infrastructure and growth potential of the organization it will be supporting.

The goal of a network design is to provide adequate capabilities and features to support the necessary work activities of an organization's personnel. If a network can support the organization, no matter how vanilla or outrageous, it can be said to be a good network design. The ability of Active Directory networks to be deployed in a myriad of different configurations reflects the inherent flexibility and robustness of its architecture.

However, the flexibility of AD domains does not imply that any design, simple or exotic, will suffice. AD networks still must be carefully planned and implemented in order to provide solid reliable service.

When designing AD networks, here are several key issues to keep in mind:

• Consider deploying an empty root domain.
• Don't limit yourself to simple, straightforward designs, experiment with intuitive, intricate, or exotic designs before making a final plan.
• Overall try to keep your designs simple, they will be easier to troubleshoot in the future.
• Pay attention to AD containers that are permanent and those that are flexible. Use forests and domains for aspects of your organization that are static, and OUs for aspects that fluctuate.
• Employ sites to control traffic, even when slow links are not present.
• Make sure your final AD design supports all of your business objectives.
• Don't get carried away and over design your network. Be sure you have sufficient servers to support your domains.

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