The three options for group scope in Active Directory are domain local, global, and universal. These group scopes determine how groups are used and managed within an Active Directory environment. Each group scope has its own unique characteristics and purposes, which I will explain in detail below.
1. Domain Local Groups:
Domain local groups are primarily used to assign permissions and access rights within a single domain. They can contain user accounts, global groups, and other domain local groups from the same domain. Domain local groups can be granted permissions on resources such as files, folders, printers, and Active Directory objects within their own domain. These groups are typically used for managing access within a specific domain and are not designed for use outside of that domain. For example, you can create a domain local group called "Finance Access" and assign it permissions to a shared folder on a file server within the domain.
2. Global Groups:
Global groups are used to organize and manage user accounts with similar characteristics across multiple domains within a single forest. They can contain user accounts from the same domain or trusted domains within the forest. Global groups are primarily used for assigning permissions and access rights to resources that span multiple domains. For example, you can create a global group called "Marketing Team" and add user accounts from different domains within the forest to provide them with access to shared resources across those domains.
3. Universal Groups:
Universal groups are designed to organize and manage user accounts and global groups from multiple domains within a single forest. They can contain user accounts, global groups, and other universal groups from any domain within the forest. Universal groups are used to assign permissions and access rights that need to span multiple domains, including domains in different trees or forests. They are typically used for managing access to resources that are shared across multiple domains within a forest. For example, you can create a universal group called "IT Administrators" and add user accounts and global groups from different domains within the forest to grant them administrative access to resources across those domains.
Domain local groups are used for managing access within a single domain, global groups are used for managing access across multiple domains within a forest, and universal groups are used for managing access across multiple domains and forests. Each group scope has its own specific purpose and should be used accordingly based on the requirements of the Active Directory environment.
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