File Replication across three sites

[Dennis B]

I have a network with three domain controllers, one at
each remote location. I am intrested in getting these
systems to where they can replicate between all the
locations. But, I want my users to have instant access to
any files that are needed via 10/100 LAN speeds.

Currently, each server has its own shared files folder,
and currently we are mapping each server to its own
drive.

How can I have instant access to each of these folders. I
can create other shares on each server to duplicate the
servers shared drive, but how do I get the replcation to
work all all three servers?

Dennis

 

[Richard Chinn [MSFT]]

If I understand what you're trying to accomplish, I believe you can use DFS
and FRS to provide what looks like a single share but actually maps to a
machine local to the site. I believe DFS on Windows Server 2003 should be
able to do this as it's site aware, but the DFS folks monitoring
microsoft.public.windows.server.dfs_frs can answer questions you have in
this area.

To keep the files in sync across all three machines (assuming you have one
in each site), you can use FRS. Before you go try this, it is important you
consider how the data files are accessed by your users. FRS is not well
suited for some scenarios, and I suspect your situation may match one such
scenario. Please see the following KB Q301479.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;301479

Additional information may be found on http://www.microsoft.com/frs. Go to
FRS Troubleshooting and Monitoring. Download the FRS Monitoring Help File
and read through some of the information in the beginning. It describes
appropriate and inappropriate uses for FRS.

Also take a look at the following TechNet article as it gives a good
overview of how FRS works.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...erver2003/proddocs/techref/w2k3tr_frs_how.asp

--Richard

Please post FRS related questions to microsoft.public.windows.server.dfs_frs
and prefix the subject line with "FRS:" to make it easier to spot. Note
that FRS is used to replicate SYSVOL on domain controllers and DFS root and
link targets.

For additional FRS resources, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/frs.

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.