Naming context. Each AD partition (domain, schema, configuration or application) replicates as one unit, for instance when running repadmin /replicate.
Also called naming context.
Read more: Microsoft Learn
In the Ultra Transcenders books
Each book explains NC in context, with comparison tables and the common traps.
Terms in this definition
- Azure AI Search partition
Storage and I/O unit of a search service, each holding part of the indexes. Adding partitions increases storage and indexing throughput; the number of search units equals replicas multiplied by partitions.
- Domain
A way of grouping workspaces by area of the business, in support of a data mesh approach. Items take on their workspace's domain, letting you filter the OneLake catalog by it, and certain tenant settings can be passed to domain admins; domains have no effect on access permissions.
- Schema
The middle part of a Unity Catalog name (
catalog.schema.table), grouping tables, views, volumes, functions and models inside a catalog. A grant on it covers everything in it now and later, and nothing inside can be reached withoutUSE SCHEMA.
Related terms
- Deleted Objects
Each naming context has this hidden container, holding removed objects until their lifetime expires or someone restores them; ADAC exposes it for restores once Recycle Bin is on.
- Replication Priority Boost
New in Windows Server 2025: raise the default replication priority for a chosen partner DC and naming context by a boost factor, using the setPriorityBoost operation on rootDSE.