How to configure inbound and outbound sync rules in Azure AD Connect

 In Azure AD Connect, configuring inbound and outbound synchronization rules involves defining how data flows between your on-premises Active Directory and Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Here's how you can configure inbound and outbound synchronization rules:

Configuring Inbound Sync Rules:

1. Access Azure AD Connect:

   - Log in to the server where Azure AD Connect is installed.

2. Launch Synchronization Rules Editor:

   - Open the Azure AD Connect configuration wizard.

   - Navigate to "Connect to Azure AD" > "Customize synchronization options" > "Synchronize selected domains and OUs".

   - Click on "Configure" to access the Synchronization Rules Editor.

3. Create New Inbound Sync Rule:

   - In the Synchronization Rules Editor, click on "Add new rule" to create a new inbound synchronization rule.

   - Choose "Inbound" as the direction for the synchronization rule.

4. Define Rule Scope:

   - Specify the connector space objects (e.g., users, groups) to which the rule applies.

   - You can define the scope based on organizational units (OUs), attribute values, or other criteria.

5. Configure Filtering Criteria:

   - Define filtering criteria to determine which objects and attributes are synchronized from on-premises AD to Azure AD.

   - Use attribute-based or object-based filtering to include or exclude specific objects or attributes from synchronization.

6. Test and Validate the Rule:

   - Before saving the rule, test and validate its behavior using the Synchronization Service Manager.

   - Use the "Preview" feature to simulate the synchronization process and verify the expected results.

7. Save and Apply the Rule:

   - Once validated, save the inbound synchronization rule in the Synchronization Rules Editor.

   - Apply the rule changes to activate the synchronization rule and start applying it during synchronization operations.

Configuring Outbound Sync Rules:

1. Access Azure AD Connect:

   - Log in to the server where Azure AD Connect is installed.

2. Launch Synchronization Rules Editor:

   - Open the Azure AD Connect configuration wizard.

   - Navigate to "Connect to Azure AD" > "Customize synchronization options" > "Synchronize selected domains and OUs".

   - Click on "Configure" to access the Synchronization Rules Editor.

3. Create New Outbound Sync Rule:

   - In the Synchronization Rules Editor, click on "Add new rule" to create a new outbound synchronization rule.

   - Choose "Outbound" as the direction for the synchronization rule.

4. Define Rule Scope:

   - Specify the connector space objects (e.g., users, groups) to which the rule applies.

   - Define the scope based on organizational units (OUs), attribute values, or other criteria.

5. Configure Filtering Criteria:

   - Define filtering criteria to determine which objects and attributes are synchronized from Azure AD to on-premises AD.

   - Use attribute-based or object-based filtering to include or exclude specific objects or attributes from synchronization.

6. Test and Validate the Rule:

   - Before saving the rule, test and validate its behavior using the Synchronization Service Manager.

   - Use the "Preview" feature to simulate the synchronization process and verify the expected results.

7. Save and Apply the Rule:

   - Once validated, save the outbound synchronization rule in the Synchronization Rules Editor.

   - Apply the rule changes to activate the synchronization rule and start applying it during synchronization operations.

By following these steps, you can configure inbound and outbound synchronization rules in Azure AD Connect to control the flow of data between your on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD.