Home > Articles > Operating Systems, Server

This chapter is from the book

Active Directory Preparation

Lync Server leverages Active Directory more than any previous version of Communications Server. This results in tight integration across the Microsoft stack, including Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SharePoint Server. However, first Active Directory must be prepared before installation can begin. All the Active Directory preparation steps can be performed either in the Deployment Wizard GUI or the Lync Server Management Shell, a customized version of PowerShell. This chapter reviews both methods.

The first step is to ensure that your Active Directory environment meets the minimum requirements for Lync Server. The requirements are outlined here:

  1. All domain controllers in the forest where Lync Server is deployed must be Windows Server 2003 SP2 or higher.
  2. All domains where you deploy Lync Server must have a functional level of Windows 2003 native or higher.
  3. The functional level for the forest must be Windows 2003 native or higher.

After the Active Directory prerequisites have been met, the next step is to extend the Active Directory schema to support Lync Server. The schema preparation process adds new classes and attributes to Active Directory that are required for Lync Server. This process must be run as a user that is a member of the Domain Admins and Schema Admins groups.

Figure 5.1 displays the Lync Server preparation steps main page.

Figure 5.1

Figure 5.1 Lync Server Deployment Wizard

To extend the Active Directory schema using the Lync Server Deployment Wizard, follow the steps that follow:

  1. From the Lync Server installation media, run Setup.exe.
  2. For Step 1: Prep Schema, click Run.
  3. At the Prepare Schema screen, click Next. You can see the Management Shell command that is executed, as shown in Figure 5.2.
    Figure 5.2

    Figure 5.2 Schema Prep Command

  4. Ensure the process is successful, and then click Finish to close the window.
  5. Ensure the information replicated to all domain controllers before continuing to the next step.

To prepare the Active Directory schema using the Lync Server Management Shell, open the shell and run the Install-CSADServerSchema cmdlet. The proper syntax for the command is Install-CsAdServerSchema –LDF <full directory path where the LDF files are located>. For example:

Install-CsAdServerSchema –LDF "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Lync Server\Deployment\Setup"

Prepare the Active Directory Forest

The next step is to prepare the Active Directory forest. A user of the Enterprise Admins group for the root domain must run this process. Forest preparation creates global objects and sets the appropriate permissions and groups to complete the installation process.

The Deployment Wizard should still be open from the last step. If not, run setup.exe and it picks up where you left off. Follow the steps that follow to prepare the forest:

  1. For Step 3: Prepare Current Forest, click Run.
  2. At the Prepare Forest screen, click Next.
  3. Specify the location where the OCS universal security groups are created. By default, this is the local domain, but you can also select the FQDN for the domain where you want the groups to be created. Then click Next. You can see the management shell command that is executed, as shown in Figure 5.3.
    Figure 5.3

    Figure 5.3 Prepare Forest Command

  4. Ensure the process is successful and then click Finish to close the window.
  5. Ensure the information replicates to all domain controllers before continuing to the next step.

To prepare the Active Directory forest using the Lync Server management shell, open the shell and run the Enable-CsAdForest cmdlet. The proper syntax for the command is Enable-CsAdForest –GroupDomain <FQDN of the domain to create the universal groups>. For example:

Enable-CsAdForest –GroupDomain companyabc.com

The final step is to prepare the Active Directory domain or domains. You need to run this in every domain where you plan to deploy Lync Server. This step adds the necessary ACEs (access control entries) to universal groups. Like the two previous steps, this can be done through the Lync Server Deployment Wizard or the Lync Server management shell.

Using the Deployment Wizard, perform the following steps.

  1. For Step 5: Prepare Current Domain, click Run.
  2. At the Prepare Domain screen, click Next. You can see the management shell command that is executed, as shown in Figure 5.4.
    Figure 5.4

    Figure 5.4 Prepare Domain Command

  3. Ensure the process is successful, and then click Finish to close the window.
  4. Ensure the information replicates to all domain controllers before continuing to the next step.

To prepare an Active Directory domain using the Lync Server management shell, open the shell and run the Enable-CsAdDomain cmdlet. The proper syntax for the command is Enable-CsAdDomain –Domain <current domain FQDN> -GroupDomain <FQDN of the domain where the Universal groups were created>. For example:

Enable-CsAdDomain –Domain companyabc.com –GroupDomain companyabc.com

Active Directory Administration Groups

Following is a list of Active Directory Administration groups created by the preparation processes. They are referenced throughout the book and it is good to be familiar with them.

The service groups are

  • RTCHSUniversalServices—Includes service accounts used to run the Front End Server and allows servers read/write access to Lync Server global settings and Active Directory user objects
  • RTCComponentUniversalServices—Includes service accounts used to run conferencing servers, web services, the Mediation Server, the Archiving Server, and the Monitoring Server
  • RTCProxyUniversalServices—Includes service accounts used to run Lync Server Edge Servers

The administration groups are

  • RTCUniversalServerAdmins—Allows members to manage server and pool settings
  • RTCUniversalUserAdmins—Allows members to manage user settings and move users from one server or pool to another
  • RTCUniversalReadOnlyAdmins—Allows members to read server, pool, and user settings

Infrastructure groups include

  • RTCUniversalGlobalWriteGroup—Grants write access to global setting objects for Lync Server.
  • RTCUniversalGlobalReadOnlyGroup—Grants read-only access to global setting objects for Lync Server.
  • RTCUniversalUserReadOnlyGroup—Grants read-only access to Lync Server user settings.
  • RTCUniversalServerReadOnlyGroup—Grants read-only access to Lync Server settings. This group does not have access to pool-level settings; it can access only settings specific to an individual server.

Forest preparation then adds service and administration groups to the appropriate infrastructure groups, as follows:

  • RTCUniversalServerAdmins is added to RTCUniversalGlobalReadOnlyGroup, RTCUniversalGlobalWriteGroup, RTCUniversalServerReadOnlyGroup, and RTCUniversalUserReadOnlyGroup.
  • RTCUniversalUserAdmins is added as a member of RTCUniversalGlobalReadOnlyGroup, RTCUniversalServerReadOnlyGroup, and RTCUniversalUserReadOnlyGroup.
  • RTCHSUniversalServices, RTCComponentUniversalServices, and RTCUniversalReadOnlyAdmins are added as members of RTCUniversalGlobalReadOnlyGroup, RTCUniversalServerReadOnlyGroup, and RTCUniversalUserReadOnlyGroup.

Forest preparation also creates the following role-based access control (RBAC) groups:

  • CSAdministrator
  • CSArchivingAdministrator
  • CSBranchOfficeTechnician
  • CSHelpDesk
  • CSLocationAdministrator
  • CSResponseGroupAdministrator
  • CSRoleAdministrator
  • CSServerAdministrator
  • CSUserAdministrator
  • CSViewOnlyAdministrator
  • CSVoiceAdministrator

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020