Active Directory Forest Trust
An Active Directory forest trust diagram shows the identity boundary between two independently managed forests and the services that need to cross it. Place one domain controller and the relevant administrative or application services inside each forest boundary. Then label the trust and the access path that depends on it. The result helps administrators explain whether two domains are part of the same environment or only connected for a limited collaboration need. It is a useful starting point for a security review because readers can see where authentication authority ends and shared access begins. Add direction and scope when documenting a one-way trust or a specific application relationship.
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Scenario
Document identity relationships between two separately managed Active Directory forests.
Key decisions
- Separate forests: Each organization keeps its own domain controller and administration tools.
- Forest trust: The trust is shown as an explicit identity relationship.
- Cross-forest access: The application path explains why the trust exists.
When to reuse this
Use this view to discuss trust boundaries and shared application access; use a domain topology for individual network segments.
Frequently asked questions
What is a forest trust?
Why document a trust?
Does a trust merge two forests?
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