Basic Architecture for Implemeting DHCP Relay Agent Concept in Lab Environment

Find more on this architecture with step by step process in implementing the DHCP Relay Agent Service.

DNS and Active Directory

DNS and Active Directory are complimentary to each other, Active directory relies on DNS for name resolution, in fact DNS is the prerequisite for AD to function, in return Active Directory provide safe haven for DNS database as the DNS zone information can be integrated with Active Directory database thus providing best class encryption and security.

Points to remember when it comes to DNS integration.

DNS in Windows 2003 support 4 types of Zones.

• Primary Zone
• Secondary Zone
• Stub Zone
• Active Directory Integrated Zone

Difference between primary

Primary Zone holds read/write copy of DNS database and can be created on any server with DNS component.

Secondary zone holds read only copy of the database, and updates its entries from primary server, in Windows domain environment the replication happens during domain replication process.

Stub zones doesn’t hold the complete database as Secondary zone, but stores the copies of Name Server and SOA records and A records for all name servers authoritative for the zone.

Stub zones are basically configured at remote sites with low bandwidth connectivity with parent network, Stub zones accepts the request from client within the site and forwards the request to Name server and shares the information received from Name Servers, this information cached for future use.

You will find more about Active Directory Integrated Zone in my next blog….