Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure (AZ-800) Practice

What does the Global Catalog contain?

1. A copy of all objects and their attributes from all domains

2. A copy of all objects and some of their attributes

3. A copy of some objects and all attributes

4. A copy of all elements from the active directory

The correct answer is: A copy of all objects and some of their attributes

The Global Catalog is a critical feature of Active Directory that serves multiple domains within a forest. It contains a partial replica of every object in the directory, including various attributes for each object. However, it doesn't store all attributes for every object; instead, it includes only the most commonly used attributes that are likely to be queried. This design allows for efficient searching and retrieval of directory information without needing access to the full set of attributes across all domains. By including a subset of the attributes, it minimizes the amount of data transferred over the network during searches, optimizing performance while still providing enough information to identify objects and facilitate user logins, group memberships, and service location requests. The other options reference broader or different amounts of data than what the Global Catalog actually contains. For instance, the choice that mentions a copy of all objects and their attributes is inaccurate because the Global Catalog does not replicate every attribute for every object, which could overload the system and network. Thus, the correct characterization of the Global Catalog as having a copy of all objects and some of their attributes accurately reflects its function and purpose within Active Directory.