Windows 2000 provides integration of DNS and Active Directory. Active Directory uses a DNS-based namespace, which eliminates the need to create and maintain separate naming services.

In Active Directory integrated zones, zone data is stored as an Active Directory object, and is replicated as part of domain replication. (Windows 2000 standard zone database files are stored in the systemroot\System32\Dns folder.)

Note   Active Directory integrated zones can only be created on DNS name servers that are configured to run the DNS dynamic update protocol.

SRV Resource Records

The Windows 2000 DNS Server service includes SRV (service) resource records that allow you to identify network resources. These records perform the same task as the sixteenth character of a NetBIOS name that is stored in a WINS database. For example, with SRV resource records, you can locate Active Directory domain controllers.

Client computers can query a DNS name server to obtain IP addresses for computers that host a particular service. For example, if a client computer must find a computer that will validate logon requests, the client computer can send a query to a DNS name server to obtain a list of domain controllers and their associated IP addresses.

Note   SRV resource records can be used in standard zones, in addition to Active Directory integrated zones. For more information on SRV resource records, see RFC 2052.

Creating Active Directory Integrated Zones

To add an Active Directory integrated zone, open the DNS console, right-click the appropriate server name, and then click Create a new Zone. In the Create New Zone wizard, click Next. On the Select a Zone Type page, click Active Directory integrated, and then click Next. The wizard then prompts you to specify a zone lookup type of forward or reverse.

When you select Forward lookup, the Create New Zone wizard prompts you to specify the zone name. When you are finished specifying the zone information, the wizard will automatically create the zone, the zone database file, and the SOA (start of authority) and NS (name server) resource records. The contents of the zone database file are replicated to all domain controllers in the domain.

When you select Reverse lookup, the Create New Zone wizard prompts you to specify the network identification and subnet mask, and to verify the zone name. When you are finished specifying the zone information, the wizard will automatically create the zone, the zone database file, and the SOA and NS resource records.

Converting Existing Zones

You can convert an existing standard primary zone to an Active Directory integrated zone. It is important to be aware of the following information before you convert an existing zone to an Active Directory integrated zone:

To convert a standard primary zone to an Active Directory integrated zone, open the Properties dialog box for the zone that you want to convert. Click the General tab, and then click Change. In the Change Zone Type dialog box, click Active Directory integrated primary, and then click OK. Click OK in the Properties dialog box.

Note   The Active Directory integrated primary option is not available in the Change Zone Type dialog box until Active Directory has been implemented.