High-Watermark Vector is Active Directory replication metadata that records the highest USN already received from a partner for a given partition.
Simple definition
High-Watermark Vector is Active Directory replication metadata that records the highest USN already received from a partner for a given partition. It belongs to the Active Directory vocabulary and is useful when reading architecture diagrams, product documentation, logs, or administration procedures.
What is it used for?
Its main purpose is to avoid requesting changes from a replication partner that have already been processed. The practical value depends on the surrounding architecture, security model, and operational requirements.
How does it work?
Each partner/partition pair tracks a high-watermark. During a cycle, the partner can send changes whose USN exceeds that value, together with other replication metadata safeguards.
Key points
- Scope: Active Directory replication metadata that records the highest USN already received from a partner for a given partition.
- Operational goal: Avoid requesting changes from a replication partner that have already been processed.
- Implementation: Each partner/partition pair tracks a high-watermark. During a cycle, the partner can send changes whose USN exceeds that value, together with other replication metadata safeguards.
Points to watch
Never modify this metadata manually; use repadmin and AD tools to diagnose replication inconsistencies.
In short
High-Watermark Vector = Active Directory replication metadata that records the highest USN already received from a partner for a given partition. Use it when you need to avoid requesting changes from a replication partner that have already been processed.