Distribution File System (DFS) technologies allow administrators to group shared folders located on different servers into logically structured namespaces that appear to users as single shared folders. DFS Namespaces provide this functionality. DFS Replication is used to synchronize files between servers over local and wide area networks, while minimizing bandwidth usage. Domain-based and stand-alone DFS differ in their path structure, location, availability, server type, and whether a domain controller is required.

1. Distribution File System (DFS) technologies High Level Overview by Raphael Ejike MS 6416c

2. Agenda · Key Requirements · Distribution File system (DFS) technologies o Distribution File System o DFS Namespaces o DFS Replication · Remote Differential Compression (RDC) · Types of DFS o Domain-based o Stand- alone based · Comparing Domain-based and Stand-alone DFS · Reference web sites

3. Key Requirements Active Directory Function raised to Windows 2008 Member servers Operating System Windows 2008 R2 NTFS Volume drive

4. Distribution File System (DFS) technologies Distribution File System (DFS) is a simplified way to access files that are dispersed geographically throughout an organization. DFS technologies include the following: DFS Namespaces DFS Replication Remote Differential Compression (RDC) Types of DFS Domain-based Stand-alone

5. DFS Namespaces This allows administrators to group shared folders located on different servers into one or more logically structured namespaces. Each namespace appears to users as a single shared folder with a series of subfolders. The subfolders typically point to shared folders that are located on various servers in multiple geographical sites throughout the organization

6. DFS Replication This is a multimaster replication engine used to synchronize files between servers for both local and WAN network connections. DFS Replication supports replication scheduling, bandwidth throttling, and uses RDC to update only the portions of files that have changed since the last replication. Folders that are stored on both files server will be available to users in both offices Network bandwidth usage between the two offices will be minimised. Users will be able to access all files in the event that the WAN link fails

7. Comparing Domain-based and Stand-alone DFS Parameters Domain-based Stand-alone Path \\Domainname\Namespace \\Servername\namespace Location Active Directory and memory cache Server registry and memory cache Availability Namespace hosted on multiple servers Server cluster Server type Domain Controller or Member server Member server or Stand-alone server

8. Reference web sites For more information on DFS management, refer to http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=102243&clcid=0x409 For more information on how to enable access-based enumeration on a namespace, refer to http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=177455&clcid=0x409 For more information on Peerlock refer to http://www.peersoftware.com/products/peerlock/peerlock_server/overview.aspx