This test reveals whether the server being monitored is a global catalog server or not. If it is, then the test attempts to search the global catalog server for a configured user and reports whether that user was found or not. The test also reports the time taken to search for that user. This information helps administrators assess how efficient the global catalog is in minimizing the time taken to locate a user across domains.

This test applies only to Active Directory Servers installed on Windows 2008.

The default parameters associated with this test are:

• The TEST PERIOD list box helps the user to decide how often this test needs to be executed.

• Specify the IP address of the machine where the Active Directory is installed in the HOST text box.

• Specify the port number through which the Active Directory communicates in the PORT text box. The default port number is 389.

• Specify the name of the user who has to be searched in the global catalog in the USERNAME text box.

• If multiple components of the same component type are awaiting configuration, then an APPLY TO OTHER COMPONENTS check box will appear in this page. Clicking on this check box will allow you to apply the configuration to all/selected components of that type.

• Once the necessary values have been provided, clicking on the UPDATE button will register the changes made.

When changing the configuration for specific servers, a “*” beside the text box corresponding to the parameter signifies that these values have to be manually configured by the user. The parameter values that require to be configured will typically be prefixed with a “$” or contain a series of “*”. A value of "none" in the parameter value indicates that the corresponding parameter value can be changed if required.