When planning your Configuration Manager 2007 hierarchy design, consider your Active Directory logical layout (hierarchical forest arrangement and domain structure) and its physical structure (Active Directory site topology). An Active Directory site is defined as one or more well-connected TCP/IP subnets. A well-connected TCP/IP subnet has a fast, reliable network connection.
Document your physical Active Directory structure and domain structure before you begin the planning phase. Later, when planning your Configuration Manager 2007 deployment and configuration, become familiar with the more granular details of the logical structure, such as organizational units, because these can help determine how you organize collections, distribute software, and perform queries in Configuration Manager 2007.
Use the following guidelines to assist in preplanning tasks.
| Active Directory preplanning | Example data needed, where applicable, and by location | Data collected |
|---|---|---|
|
Logical Structure |
The logical structure of your organization is represented by the following Active Directory components: organizational units, domains, trees, and forests. |
|
|
Physical Structure |
The physical structure of your organization is represented by the following Active Directory components: Active Directory sites (physical subnets) and domain controllers. |