Sites are boundaries for intrasite replication. They provide a way to define which domain controller is used for authentication and directory searches by a collection of client computers on a common IP subnet. Sites are created for IP subnets that contain a large number of users or a small number of users who need to avoid authentication and directory searches across a wide area network (WAN) link. Sites also provide a way for site-aware clients to target authentication requests, directory searches, and other operations against a domain controller in the same site or in a nearby site.

Creating an Active Directory site

The following table lists the references that you can use when you need to create an Active Directory site.

  Step Reference
Check box

On a domain controller, click Start, click Administrative Tools, click Active Directory Sites and Services, and then press F1. Review the Help topic titled Checklist: Configure an Additional Site.

Active Directory Sites and Services Help

Check box

On a domain controller, click Start, click Administrative Tools, click Active Directory Sites and Services, and then press F1. Review the Help topic titled Adding a Site to the Forest.

Active Directory Sites and Services Help

Check box

Review the information on the Web and complete the steps for creating an Active Directory site.

Adding a New Site (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=93237)