Configuring a Domain Controller

Abstract

Many Windows networks, particularly large networks or those that span multiple subnets, operate as NT domains (a.k.a. NetBIOS domains). Domains are like workgroups, but they offer a degree of centralized control, which is provided by the domain controller. The domain controller offers support functions such as centralized logons, as well as some ancillary benefits. Naturally, you can configure Samba to operate as a domain controller. A single Samba server can fill this role, but it’s also possible to tie multiple computers together to provide redundancy, in case one domain controller crashes or is cut off from others because of a network problem. As with many other SMB/CIFS features, to use a domain controller, you must be able to configure your clients to use it. This task, as with many in the SMB/CIFS world, is handled differently for different client OSs.