How many DFL and FFL are there now ?

08/20/2009

As named domain modes in Windows 2000 time, Domain Functional Level and Forest Functional Level (introduced in Windows Server 2003) list has grown with the inception of two new Windows Server 2008 functional levels. While Domain Functional Level limits the OS of the DCs, a raise to the Forest Functional Level (in a multi-domain environment) can only be achieved after all child domains’ DFL have been met. Both Functional Levels do not dictate the type of OS you can run on your member servers. They dictate which OS can run on a DC and introduce new functionality to AD as you move up the ladder. Such as, to be able to take advantage of AD Recycle Bin functionality all your DCs must be running Windows Server 2008 R2 and the FFL must be at 2008 R2.

There are now 6 different types of Domain Functional Levels;

1. Windows 2000 Mixed (supports NT4/2000/2003 DCs)
2. Windows 2000 Native (supports 2000/2003 DCs)
3. Windows Server 2003 Interim (supports NT4/2003 DCs)
4. Windows Server 2003 (supports only 2003 DCs)
5. Windows Server 2008 (supports only 2008 DCs)
6. Windows Server 2008 R2 (supports only 2008 R2 DCs)

And five forest functional levels:

1. Windows 2000 (supports NT4/2000/2003 DCs)
2. Windows 2003 Interim (supports NT4/2003 DCs)
3. Windows Server 2003 (supports only 2003 DCs)
4. Windows Server 2008 (supports only 2008 DCs)
5. Windows Server 2008 R2 (supports only 2008 R2 DCs)


See this for list of features for different Functional Levels.

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There are 4 comments in this article:

  1. 21/08/2009Mike Kline say:

    Good info Rick,

    I remember years ago during the W2K days I’d hear the DFL/FFL question being asked on interviews. That would be a killer question now if someone had to spell out every feature.

    I’d just refer them to this blog entry now :)

    Talk to you later

    Mike

  2. 21/08/2009Rick say:

    Killer question indeed, especially if the question was to let alone describe all the different group nesting restrictions in each DFL/FFL :)

    Thanks,

  3. 16/10/2009Nikolas say:

    Actually your are wrong.

    DFL

    1. Windows 2000 Mixed (supports NT4/2000/2003 DCs)
    2. Windows 2000 Native (supports 2000/2003 DCs) + W2K8 + W2K8R2
    3. Windows Server 2003 Interim (supports NT4/2003 DCs)
    4. Windows Server 2003 (supports only 2003 DCs) + W2K8 + W2K8R2
    5. Windows Server 2008 (supports only 2008 DCs) + W2K8R2
    6. Windows Server 2008 R2 (supports only 2008 R2 DCs)

    And

    FFL

    1. Windows 2000 (supports NT4/2000/2003 DCs) + W2K8 + W2K8R2
    2. Windows 2003 Interim (supports NT4/2003 DCs)
    3. Windows Server 2003 (supports only 2003 DCs) + W2K8 + W2K8R2
    4. Windows Server 2008 (supports only 2008 DCs) + W2K8R2
    5. Windows Server 2008 R2 (supports only 2008 R2 DCs)

  4. 19/10/2009Rick say:

    Nikolas, Good point. The list that I covered had the original list as to what particular functional level covered which DCs originally. Usually all down level native modes allow the introduction of newer OS DCs.

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