====== Active Directory Branch Office Configuration ======

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb530956

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754697.aspx

Use **Active Directory Sites and Services** to manage sites in an Active Directory.

===== Sites =====

  * Represent physical network topology
  * Defined by network subnets
  * Connect sites with site links
    * Represent WAN connections between sites
  * Replication within a site is automatic
  * Replication between sites occurs every 3 hours by default
  * Default Site named **Default-First-Site-Name**
  * Domain Controllers installed to site
  * Defining multiple sites optimizes WAN links
    * Routing
    * Replication
    * Authentication
    * Service location
  * Client site assignment is determined by its IP address

===== Domains =====

  * Logical Topology

===== Determine the ISTG Role Owner for a Site =====

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc794776%28WS.10%29.aspx

The Intersite Topology Generator (ISTG) is the domain controller in each site that is responsible for generating the intersite topology.

To determine the ISTG role owner for a site:

  - Open **Active Directory Sites and Services**
  - Click the site object whose ISTG role owner you want to determine
  - Right-click the **NTDS Site Settings** -> Properties