The initial Windows Server installation results in a member server. A member server does not store the Active Directory database. If you wish the server to store the Active Directory database, you must upgrade the server to a Domain Controller. This is accomplished with either the DCPROMO utility or using the Manage Your Server wizard.

Each DC domain controller maintains a copy of the domain directory. Updates are accepted by any DC and replicated to the other DCs. Multimaster replication ensures the consistency of the directory.

User1 User2 Group1 Object1 ...

ÅReplicationÆ

User1 User2 Group1 Object1 ...

In addition to domain data replication, schema and configuration data is also replicated. Schema and configuration data is the same for the entire directory forest. Domain data is unique to each domain and is only replicated within the domain.

Domain Controller			with Global Catalog
	çì		åî
	Å  Replication  Æ Replication of Domain, Schema & Configuration NCs
Domain Controller			Domain Controller