DFS Configuration on Windows Server 2003 R2

[siki85]

Hi !!
DFS configuration parameters are confused to me...
1. We have 1 server (Server A) at Main Office. This server has a shared folder with lot of PDF files, and users open this files to modify or review...
2. Also, we have 6 branches (Branch B to G). All these users open those PDF files from Server A, but bandwidth is causing problems damaging files, this problem happen occasionally. All branches has an average of 3 to 4 users, except one branch (Branch G for example) that has almost 40 users.
Here is what I would like to do:
1. To install another server at Branch G (Server G)with a replication of the folder that contains PDF files from Server A.
2. Do I have to set the DFS root on Server A only ? or it has to be configured on both servers ?
I would like to install Server G at Branch G because I think its bandwidth can´t handle the quantity of users...

please if you know another solution I would be thankful...this problem is driving me crazy....

 

[58sniper]

First, use 2003 R2. R2 made significant improvements in the DFS replication model to reduce bandwidth usage.

Second, add both as namespace servers, and both as targets.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.exchangeblogs.com/

 

[siki85]

How can I change or set priorities of targets ?
For example, when a PC from Branch G tries to open, save or modify a pdf file, first it goes to Server A instead of look for Server G which is in the same subnet.

Then, another PC from other branch (lets say Branch C) do the same things (open, save or modify) it goes to Server G but it should go to Server A and see those files.

I set Server A at Main Office as the namespace server. I want all branches look for \\domain\target in Server A and PCs at Branch G look for Server G which is local.

I can´t set both as namespace servers, a message appears and it tells that there is 1 root already.

 

[58sniper]

It's based on AD site, IIRC. If both are in the same site, you'll get some people connecting to one, and some to the other. Not problems, really.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.exchangeblogs.com/

 

[siki85]

It could be a problem, because Branch G has 4 Mbps while other branches have 1 Mbps.

Main Office has 10 Mbps. I would like Server A be the receiver for connections from all branches except Branch G.

 

[58sniper]

If you have users in an office with a slow connection, put a DFS instance there.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.exchangeblogs.com/