: This official documentation provides a step-by-step framework for deploying a fully functioning network from scratch. It covers the essential "big four" roles: AD DS, DNS, DHCP, and NPS.
If you're building a lab environment, most experts recommend this general flow: Windows Server 2016: Domain Infrastructure
by William Stanek This is a deep-dive reference for intermediate to advanced IT professionals. It provides exhaustive solutions for: Designing Active Directory infrastructure. Key topics include: Core infrastructure: DNS, DHCP, and
by Jordan Krause A comprehensive guide that focuses on "thinking outside the box" for modern system administration. It is particularly praised by reviewers for helping set up and secure Active Directory for new clients. Key topics include: Core infrastructure: DNS, DHCP, and Certificate Services. Key topics include: Core infrastructure: DNS
: For more complex setups, Microsoft Learn offers an in-depth guide on creating a domain design that maximizes replication efficiency while protecting network bandwidth. Practical Implementation Steps
: This paperback is available at Northshire Bookstore for $49.99 .
Managing Operations Masters (FSMO roles) and Global Catalogs. Planning Organizational Units (OUs), domains, and forests. Delegating authentication and managing forest trusts.