configure and manage directory synchronization by using Azure AD Connect

Azure AD Connect is the tool designed by Microsoft for this very purpose. It enables organizations to maintain a reliable and secure directory synchronization service.

Getting Started with Azure AD Connect

Before installing Azure AD Connect, ensure that your environment meets the necessary prerequisites such as having an accessible and supported on-premises Active Directory and the appropriate Azure AD licenses. The following steps outline how to get started with Azure AD Connect:

• Download Azure AD Connect – Azure AD Connect is available for download from the Microsoft website. Always download the latest version to benefit from updated features and security enhancements.
• Run the Azure AD Connect Wizard – The wizard is designed to guide administrators through the configuration process. It includes features such as custom sync options and allows you to choose between Express Settings for a quick setup or Custom Settings for more advanced configurations.

Express Installation

Express installation is suitable for small to medium-sized organizations that have a single-forest, single-domain environment. With this setup, the following aspects are typically configured:

• Synchronization from Active Directory to Azure AD
• Password hash synchronization as the default authentication method
• A SQL Server Express LocalDB for storing the sync engine database

Express installation can be initiated with the following:

AzureADConnect.exe /Express /SkipDirSyncSetup

Custom Installation

Custom installation is for organizations that need more advanced settings, like those with multiple forests or domains or those who wish to use features like federation integration or password writeback.

Some options available in the custom settings include:

• Filtering objects from synchronization by domain, OU, or attribute
• Configuring alternate login ID
• Setting up Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) if required
• Using an existing SQL Server

Synchronization Services

Post-installation, Azure AD Connect will run synchronization tasks according to a defined schedule. The default is 30 minutes. The sync process encompasses four stages:

1. Import – Connects to the source directory and reads objects.
2. Synchronization – Applies the synchronization rules to transform objects.
3. Export – Connects to the target directory and writes changes.
4. Confirmation – Confirms that the export was successful.

Managing and Monitoring Azure AD Connect Synchronization

For managing and monitoring, administrators use the Synchronization Service Manager, which is installed as part of Azure AD Connect. It allows for manual control and view of the synchronization operations.

You can perform the following tasks:

• Manually force a synchronization cycle with PowerShell cmdlets such as Start-ADSyncSyncCycle
• Modify synchronization configuration by rerunning the Azure AD Connect setup wizard.
• Monitor synchronization status and view reporting in the Azure portal.

Best Practices for Directory Synchronization

Considering best practices, administrators should:

• Stage deployment to test and validate before going live.
• Ensure proper filtering to avoid unnecessary data syncing.
• Handle object and attribute mapping responsibly, understanding how changes can affect user access.
• Regularly review synchronization logs and deal with any synchronization errors promptly.
• Keep Azure AD Connect up to date, applying patches and reviewing changes from Microsoft.

Examples of Using PowerShell with Azure AD Connect

Here are two examples of how PowerShell can be used to manage Azure AD Connect:

To force a delta synchronization cycle:

Import-Module ADSync
Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType Delta

To set a custom synchronization interval:

Set-ADSyncScheduler -CustomizedSyncCycleInterval 01:00:00

In conclusion, configuring and managing directory synchronization with Azure AD Connect is a process that involves understanding your directory structure, deciding on synchronization features, and regularly monitoring and managing the synchronization process. By following best practices and utilizing available tools and PowerShell cmdlets, administrators can maintain a healthy sync relationship between their on-premises identities and their Azure AD tenant.