Active Directory (AD) is a directory service created by Microsoft for use in a Windows domain network. It stores information about network resources and users, and provides authentication and authorization mechanisms to control access to network resources.
Active Directory is a directory service that stores information about network resources and users, and provides authentication and authorization mechanisms to control access to those resources. It is based on the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and is typically deployed in Windows-based networks.
AD stores user and computer accounts, as well as passwords, group policies, and other information related to network resources. It also provides a single sign-on (SSO) solution, allowing users to access multiple resources with a single set of credentials.
AD also provides a way to centrally manage user accounts and permissions. Administrators can assign user rights and permissions to network resources, as well as set up group policies to manage user access to those resources.
AD also provides a way to secure network resources. It allows administrators to set up access control lists (ACLs) to define which users and groups can access which resources. It also provides authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access network resources.
Active Directory provides a number of features to simplify network administration and secure network resources. These include:
User and computer accounts: AD stores user and computer accounts, as well as passwords, group policies, and other information related to network resources.
Single sign-on (SSO): AD provides a single sign-on solution, allowing users to access multiple resources with a single set of credentials.
Group policies: Administrators can assign user rights and permissions to network resources, as well as set up group policies to manage user access to those resources.
Access control lists (ACLs): AD provides a way to set up access control lists (ACLs) to define which users and groups can access which resources.
Authentication and authorization: AD provides authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access network resources.
An example of how Active Directory can be used is in a large organization with multiple locations. AD can be used to centrally manage user accounts and permissions, as well as set up group policies to manage user access to network resources. It can also be used to secure network resources by setting up access control lists (ACLs) to define which users and groups can access which resources.
Active Directory has a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
Centralized user and computer accounts: AD provides a way to centrally manage user accounts and permissions.
Single sign-on (SSO): AD provides a single sign-on solution, allowing users to access multiple resources with a single set of credentials.
Group policies: Administrators can assign user rights and permissions to network resources, as well as set up group policies to manage user access to those resources.
Access control lists (ACLs): AD provides a way to set up access control lists (ACLs) to define which users and groups can access which resources.
Cons:
Complex setup: AD can be difficult to set up and configure, especially in large networks.
Cost: AD can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
Active Directory is related to other directory services, such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and Network Information Service (NIS). It is also related to authentication protocols, such as Kerberos, and authorization protocols, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs).