What is the Difference between a Domain and a Forest in Active Directory?

In Active Directory, a domain is a logical group of network objects, including computers, users, and resources, that share a common security database, while a forest is a collection of multiple domains that share a common schema, configuration, and global catalog.

Domains are used to manage and organize a set of network resources within a specific security boundary, whereas a forest represents the highest level of Active Directory structure and consists of one or more domain trees that do not form a contiguous namespace.

It is important to note that domains are typically used to manage security and access to resources within a specific organization or department, while a forest allows organizations to establish trust relationships between different domains and share resources across the entire structure.

Therefore, understanding the distinction between a domain and a forest in Active Directory is crucial for effectively designing and implementing a scalable and secure directory services infrastructure.