How to configure Azure AD Connect for hybrid identities

By making it easier for on-premises directories to synchronise with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), Azure AD Connect helps enterprises manage hybrid identities throughout their environments. For Azure AD Domain Services to allow hybrid identities, additional configuration steps must be taken during integration with Azure AD Connect. This tutorial offers a thorough tour of setting up Azure AD Connect for this use.
With PowerShell cmdlets, keep an eye on synchronisation activities and examine synchronisation logs.

 Prerequisites:   

• Access to the Azure AD Connect server with appropriate permissions.

• Azure AD Domain Services enabled in the Azure portal.

• Understanding of Azure AD Connect concepts and functionalities.

• Knowledge of the on-premises Active Directory environment and domain configuration.

 Step 1: Verify Azure AD Domain Services configuration   

1. Log in to the Azure portal and navigate to Azure AD Domain Services.

2. Ensure that Azure AD Domain Services is enabled and configured with the desired domain name and settings.

 Step 2: Prepare on-premises Active Directory   

1. Ensure that the on-premises Active Directory environment is synchronized with Azure AD using Azure AD Connect.

2. Verify that the user accounts and attributes to be synchronized meet the requirements for hybrid identity synchronization.

 Step 3: Install Azure AD Connect   

1. Download the Azure AD Connect installer from the Microsoft website.

2. Run the installer on the Azure AD Connect server and follow the installation wizard.

 Step 4: Configure Azure AD Connect   

1. Launch the Azure AD Connect configuration wizard.

2. Proceed through the wizard until reaching the “User Sign-in” page.

3. Select “Password Hash Synchronization” as the sign-in method to synchronize password hashes with Azure AD.

4. Choose the option to enable Azure AD Domain Services integration during the configuration process.

 Step 5: Verify configuration   

1. After completing the Azure AD Connect configuration wizard, verify the synchronization status and any detected errors.

2. Monitor the synchronization service manager to ensure that user accounts and attributes are synchronized correctly.

 Step 6: Test hybrid identities   

1. Test hybrid identity functionality by signing in to Azure AD-integrated services using on-premises credentials.

2. Verify that users can authenticate and access resources both on-premises and in Azure using their synchronized identities.

 Step 7: Maintainence   

1. Regularly monitor synchronization status and review any detected errors or warnings.

2. Perform periodic health checks and maintenance tasks on Azure AD Connect to ensure optimal performance.

By following these steps, organizations can successfully configure Azure AD Connect to support hybrid identities with Azure AD Domain Services. This enables seamless integration between on-premises Active Directory environments and Azure AD, providing users with a unified identity and access management experience across hybrid environments. With proper configuration and maintenance, organizations can leverage the benefits of hybrid identity synchronization for improved security, compliance, and user productivity.