Domain and Architectural Design
A highly available topology is designed by determining the namespace, Forest/Domain hierarchy, Active Directory Sites & Services, and integrated DNS infrastructure requirements.
INFRASTRUCTURE SETUP
Active Directory Setup and Domain Design Service
Active Directory setup is a service that involves the end-to-end design and deployment of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and related services to centrally manage user, computer, group, and authorization matrices within an enterprise network.
What is Active Directory Setup and Domain Design Service?
The infrastructure security and authorization standards of modern corporations are built on a centralized identity architecture. During the Active Directory setup process, a comprehensive directory service architecture that meets the organization's scalability, security, and access needs is not limited to activating a single Domain Controller (DC); it is designed holistically.
The process includes configuring the Forest/Domain hierarchy, DNS infrastructure, Organizational Unit (OU) logical architecture, Group Policy Object (GPO) security hardening, Kerberos/NTLM authentication layers, time synchronization (NTP), and System State backup procedures.
Service scope
Identity and Authorization Configuration
A hierarchical Organizational Unit (OU) structure, security groups, user account standards, and a Tiered Administration model compliant with Privileged Account Management (PAM) principles are created.
Group Policy (GPO) and Security Hardening
A GPO structure is implemented to centralize device and user management, including LAPS, password policies, security baselines, and restriction rules.
Business Continuity and Resilience
A secondary Domain Controller (Replica DC) is set up for high availability; System State and authoritative/non-authoritative backups are tested for recovery scenarios.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Who is it for?
- Corporations that wish to centrally manage all user and client device accounts under a single security policy.
- Companies that want to limit access to file servers, databases, and corporate applications using Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
- Technical teams that wish to modernize or reconfigure an existing complex, disorganized, or end-of-life Active Directory infrastructure.
- Businesses preparing for cloud transformation by integrating with Microsoft 365 / Entra ID (Azure AD).
DELIVERABLES
Deliverables
- Highly available AD DS and integrated DNS infrastructure
- Standardized OU, authorization group, and corporate GPO architecture
- Hierarchical administration (Tiered Admin) and access control matrix
- System State backup, disaster recovery (DR) and operational guide
How we work
01
Assess the current environment, target and dependencies
02
Document scope, risks, acceptance and rollback
03
Implement, validate and document
Frequently asked questions
Is a single Domain Controller (DC) sufficient for a production environment?
A single DC may be sufficient in test or isolated environments with a small scale; however, for production environments, it is recommended to install at least two Domain Controllers to eliminate the single point of failure (SPOF) risk.
Can the Active Directory infrastructure be integrated with Microsoft 365 and Azure?
Yes, the Entra Connect (Azure AD Connect) tools can be used to integrate the local Active Directory infrastructure with Microsoft Entra ID; hybrid identity architecture and Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) or Pass-Through Authentication (PTA) can be configured.
Can an existing Active Directory domain name be changed?
Technically, domain renaming is possible, but due to DNS dependencies, certificate authorities, and application integration risks, it is generally not recommended. Instead, a controlled Active Directory migration to a new domain structure is a safer method.
Let’s assess your requirements
We review your current environment, target and technical requirements in a 20–30 minute call. Scope, assumptions, deliverables and pricing are documented before work begins.
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