Active Directory Branch Office Configuration
Sites
Represent physical network topology
Defined by network subnets
Connect sites with site links
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
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