Win2k DFS

[twayderzzz]

Hi Guys. Im looking to use DFS to replicate quite a bit of data (Nearly 150 Gb), between 3 machines, 2 of which are located within the LAN, and one residing at a co-location. My main question is about the staging areas, do I need a staging area of 150gb?? Im specifically concerned about this, but any and all input and/or experience in configuring DFS would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[svsawkar]

Before you set this up, lets make sure that you are using DFS for the right reasons

If you are, then you will probably only replicate that 150 gigs once, and after that, very little if anything will replicate.

Don't use it for disaster recovery, redundancy or as a primary method of large file replication. DFS is meant to extend a namespace so clients can find (static) content easier.

So what problem are you trying to solve with DFS? Usually a scheduled robocopy is the answer

/Siddharth

 

[twayderzzz]

Hey. Thanks for replying.

I was actually planning on using it for all 3, hehehe. I was hoping to save the company some cash, score some brownie points : )


So your saying that a 3rd party utility would be better for the job?

I actually set up a small DFS and noticed some very strange things once the initial replication was complete; directories being randomly renamed, permissions being reset, etc.

 

[svsawkar]

>I actually set up a small DFS and noticed some very strange things once the initial replication was complete; directories being randomly renamed, permissions being reset, etc.

Nope, it was being done correctly, but since it was being used for the wrong reason, it was probably not doing what you wanted it to do.

Remember, changes are not replicated- entire files are. This is also done on a strictly 'last writer wins' basis. If you have an anti-virus scanning these link replicas, every time a file is scanned, it will be queued up to be replicated. Finally, if you ever have replication broken between machines, you will start morphing folders.

Use robocopy (resource kit) with the scheduler instead. If you want to spend money, find a 3rd party solution.

/Siddharth

 

[twayderzzz]

Thanks Siddharth. I think I'm on the right track.