forest-and-tree model

The forest-and-tree model is a logical structure for interconnecting multiple network domains in Windows 2000 and later operating systems. A tree is a set of domains sharing a common network configuration, schema and global catalog. A forest consists of one or more trees that do not form a contiguous namespace.

Download this free guide

How SD-WAN Can Help Enable Digital Transformation

When embarking on digital transformation initiatives, its important to factor in WAN design to avoid poor application performance and customer dissatisfaction. In this white paper, you’ll explore the drawbacks of traditional WAN architectures and how a managed SD-WAN service can overcome some of these challenges.

Start Download

• Corporate E-mail Address:

  You forgot to provide an Email Address.

  This email address doesn’t appear to be valid.

  This email address is already registered. Please login.

  You have exceeded the maximum character limit.

  Please provide a Corporate E-mail Address.

• • I agree to TechTarget’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy.

  Please check the box if you want to proceed.

• • I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time.

  Please check the box if you want to proceed.

By submitting my Email address I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Declaration of Consent.

In the forest-and-tree model, each tree has a unique name. Forests do not have to be named. All the trees in a forest are interconnected by trust relationships that are bi-directional (they can function in either direction) and transitive (they can be cascaded one after another in chains). In a forest, the trees form a hierarchy for the purposes of the trust relationships. It is possible for a single tree to constitute a forest in this model.

The forest-and-tree model can be useful when it is necessary to operate multiple units under separate domain name system (DNS) namespaces. Each tree within a forest can be autonomous, that is, independent of the others.