Active Directory Branch Office Replication

An Active Directory branch office replication diagram explains where directory services run and how they reach a remote site. It distinguishes writable domain controllers at headquarters from a read-only domain controller at the branch, then shows the site link between them. This is useful when planning local sign-in performance, outage behavior, or administrative access at a smaller office. Include the local DNS role because clients commonly use the domain controller for name resolution as well as authentication. Add the client networks on each side so the reason for each controller is visible. For a larger branch, extend the view with redundant WAN paths, writable controllers, or local application services as needed.