While working on a Windows 2008 domain it is important to understand the logical structure of Active Directory. This is what holds up your entire organization so it’s a crucial piece of any systems administrator’s duties.
So what makes up Active Directory?
Data Store
Commonly known as the Active Directory database or data store. The type of data stored in this database includes the domain information such as the topology, trust relationships, users, groups and computers. All the configuration is stored here.
Schema
Think of the schema as the blueprint that contains rules on the information that can be stored in Active Directory. Within the schema are two objects: Attribute and Class.
The schema can be extended to accommodate the needs of an organization. It is replicated to all domain controllers for consistency.
Global Catalog
The global catalog is like one large phone book. It has information about objects within the whole domain. A domain controller must be specified as a holder of the Global Catalog. Doing so makes easily searched. Such as searching for a network printer.
Replication
It’s a bad idea to just have one domain controller. Best practices is to have more than one. Replication distributes important data from Active Directory throughout the organization for high availability and performance.
I’ve had this book on my shelf for a couple of months now. Sometimes it’s difficult to fit in reading time while working full time and taking care of a newborn baby. But I did it!
What I like most about the CCDA Official Certification Guide was that it was incredibly easy to follow. Topics were straight to the point. You get a good high level explanation of the topics.
I’ve heard that the CCDA is for sales people but I’d have to disagree. If you’re fairly new to networking then the CCDA will give you a ton of general knowledge. It may even inspire you to take on a specific Certification track.
I am CCNA certified and after reading the CCDA I feel that I can pursue the CCNP with a better understanding.
The examples and diagrams in the guide are helpful and really nail the topics home. There are lots of chapter quizes and questions to help solidify the objectives.
Overall, great certification guide and I highly recommend it for those wanting to take the CCDA or just wanting to learn more about designing networks.
Currently, I’m reading the CCDA Official Certification Guide. I don’t plan on taking the actual exam. The book was primarily a way for me to increase my knowledge of network design. So far I think it is a fantastic read for someone that just passed their CCNA.
There’s plenty of little nuggets of information at a high level. Enough to get your feet wet in different tracks within Cisco certification.
It’s fairly easy to go through and you learn enough without getting overloaded with information. If you haven’t started on another track after CCNA then I would highly recommend going through CCDA just to get a good grasp of how Cisco wants you to design networks.