blogs - deploy my windows: Part 11 - SCCM 2012 R2 Installation : Configuring SCCM Primary Site (Boundary & Boundary Group)

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What are SCCM boundary and boundary groups -

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), boundaries and boundary groups are key components used to define and manage the scope of management for devices within an organization's network.

1. Boundaries:

A boundary in SCCM represents a network location, such as an IP subnet, Active Directory site, IPv6 prefix, or an IP address range. Boundaries are used to determine the physical network locations of devices that SCCM will manage. When devices communicate on the network, SCCM uses boundary information to determine which site (management point) is closest to the device, allowing for efficient content distribution and client communication.

2. Boundary Groups:

A boundary group is a logical group that contains one or more boundaries. It acts as a container that helps SCCM clients find the appropriate management point, distribution point, and software update point for their assigned site. Boundaries within a boundary group are prioritized, and clients within that group will try to use the preferred management points associated with those boundaries.

Key points about boundary groups:

- A device can be a member of multiple boundary groups, which allows it to access resources from multiple SCCM sites if needed.

- The concept of boundary groups is particularly useful in large and complex network environments where multiple SCCM sites might exist to serve different geographical locations or business units.

- When a device is within the boundary of multiple boundary groups, the client will select the boundary group based on the configured group relationships and site assignment boundaries.

- Administrators can set up fallback relationships within boundary groups, specifying alternative management points and distribution points to be used if the preferred ones are not available.

- Boundary groups also play a crucial role in content distribution, as SCCM clients will use boundary group information to find the most appropriate distribution point from which to download required software and updates.

By configuring boundaries and boundary groups properly in SCCM, administrators can ensure that clients are efficiently managed, content is distributed optimally, and clients are connected to the appropriate SCCM site within the organization's network infrastructure.

Boundary

Browse to Administrator\Hierarchy Configuration\Boundaries

After both the boundary are checked in Active Directory Forest Discovery, this boundary will be created automatically :-

Boundary Group

Now we need to create a boundary group, go to Administrator\Hierarchy Configuration\Boundary Groups

Right click on Boundary Group & select Create Boundary Group :-

Name the Boundary group & click on Add:-

Select the default active directory boundary & click on OK:-

Go to the Reference Tab, Under Site assignment check "Use this boundary group for site assignment" & select the site from the drop down menu, Client take site code using this setting. Under Content Location click on Add:-