Domainpalvelut

Domainpalvelut refer to a set of IT services that provide centralized identity management and access control within a network. In Windows environments, the core implementation is Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). They store directory data about objects such as users, groups, computers, and policies; provide authentication and authorization; and enable centralized administration.

Core components and functionality include domain controllers that host the AD DS database with replicated data, and the concept of domains as logical boundaries within a forest. A forest may contain multiple domains. DNS is an integral service for locating objects within the domain. Authentication primarily uses Kerberos, with NTLM as a fallback. Authorization relies on access control lists, while Group Policy enables centralized configuration of users and computers. The Global Catalog supports forest-wide search, FSMO roles coordinate critical operations, organizational units enable delegation, and trusts permit cross-domain authentication.

Management and administration are typically performed with tools such as Active Directory Users and Computers, Group Policy Management Console, and PowerShell. Domains can be organized into forests and organizational units to delegate administration and apply policies. Regular backups and disaster recovery for the directory service, as well as monitoring of replication and domain controller health, are essential practices.

Alternatives and scope include the broader concept of directory services beyond Windows. In Windows-centric environments, AD DS is the standard domain service, but other implementations such as OpenLDAP, 389 Directory Server, or FreeIPA are used in mixed or Linux-centric environments. Security considerations emphasize securing domain controllers, enforcing strong authentication, and keeping systems patched and monitored.